Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Networking is the key to getting to where you want to be.
We recently offered twenty basic tips for navigating a networking event successfully. Once you master the basics, you will want to take it to the next level.
Here are a few advanced networking tips to help you make the most of your next event:
- Set a goal before the event to give you focus. For example, "I will make solid connections with seven new people tonight."
- Set a reward for beating the goal. "If I make a connection with eight new people tonight, I earn (insert fitting reward here)."
- Consider wearing a fun accessory. If you wear a vibrant necklace or a unique tie, you'll find that others compliment you, and it's an easy way to begin a conversation. Just watch the fine line between clever and stupid for that accessory.
- Use a compliment to jumpstart a conversation!
- Be a connector. Did you meet two people who could help each other out? Introduce them, and you're an instant star.
- Have a compelling answer to "What do you do?"
- Instead of "I'm Director of Operations at JobBound," say something like "I help job seekers prepare for the job search and get a great job."
- Instead of "Nothing right now, I need a job," say "I'm an HR Professional in transition. I'm seeking a great, new opportunity."
- Have three back up questions for that scary, silent lull. You know the one. Pick three questions that you can ask anyone in the room to get the conversation rolling again.
- What made you attend tonight's event?
- What are hoping to get out of tonight's event?
- Do you see a lot of familiar faces here?
- If you meet someone who seems to know a lot of people at the networking event, ask her to introduce you to her contacts. She most likely will feel flattered.
- When you're speaking with a group, try not to stand in a closed circle. A semicircle invites others to step in and join the conversation.
- Entering a conversation sometimes can be the most difficult. Use the venue and easy one-liners to slide into the conversation.
- I've been debating between the cheesecake and brownies all night. What's your recommendation?
- This view is stunning, don't you think?
- Alright, this is the smart group; you nabbed a spot in the shade...
- Politely excuse yourself. If you find yourself in a dead-end conversation, wait for a lull, and say it was nice meeting you. Refilling a drink or going to the restroom is often a good escape tactic.
- Don't get paranoid when the person you're speaking with says he needs to refill his drink!
- Ask "How can I help you?" This will build a stronger relationship than "I need..."
- Do what you say you will do. If you said you would follow up with someone or if you said you would introduce a contact to one of your colleagues, do it. What goes around comes around.
- Sign up for another networking event. Remember, the key with networking is to build your network before you need it.
Break out of your comfort zone, get out there, meet new people, and build relationships. That's what networking is all about.
Courtney Pike is the Director of Operations at JobBound, a company dedicated to helping job seekers with resume writing, interviewing, career coaching and landing that dream job. Courtney is co-author of Stop Job Searching, Start Networking: The Secrets to Getting Hired the Easier Way and How to Say It On Your Resume: A Top Recruiting Director's Guide to Writing the Perfect Resume for Every Job.
Posted by Courtney Pike on August 18, 2009 at 08:35 AM
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