Real tips that work. Not theoretical ideas that don’t.
That’s the approach I strive for no matter what I train/coach/consult around. But especially personally important for me is the concept of “networking.” After all, I have lived and worked and met new people in such far-flung places as Cairo, Paris, Denver and now Ireland.
Last night the Cork Chamber hosted me before a gathering of some 70 business leaders as I led a “Master Class” on how to meet people at these types of contrived gatherings.
I break it down this way: BEFORE, DURING, AFTER.
BEFORE
1. Be Google-worthy! Make sure when someone Googles you they find something! And the what they find is current, friendly and relevant.
Linked In. If you’re not on Linked In, do it. This is your virtual office that you can invite people to. I’m not going to go into details, but at the very least, make sure you have a photo in your profile, your summary is a compelling story of you, not some boring CV listing, and add photos, articles, clippings, etc. And yes, post, post, post! This is where you can really come alive.
Twitter. This is your online “email” system. People can follow you. You can follow them back and then you can DM. Just like email but faster. It’s lively and I find more and more professionals are using it as a way to instant meet-up.
All the rest. Facebook is like your online living room. I don’t know. Do you want everyone in there with you? Do you have a professional account and a personal account? Up to you. Instagram, Pinterest, Tumblr, Periscope, Snapchat (Obama’s doing it now…). Do any and all of the rest as you have time and inclination. But at the very, very least – do Linked In.
2. Register, Research, Reach-out! Most networking events offer online sign-up and registration lists. Virtual communities to engage with even before you go to the event- or conference – or whatever. If you research the lists, you can find people you can reach out to beforehand – Remember, you should be able to find them on Linked In or Twitter, right? I asked around at my meeting and a few hands went up with stories of how positively this had worked for them. The President of the Chamber was, in fact, going to have a coffee with a new person he reached out to via the registry of an upcoming conference – before the actual conference takes place. Good stuff. However, the large majority of the room admitted they have never done this. Now is the time!
DURING
1. Go early. Go alone. If you don’t know anyone, you can always find the host if you come a bit early. If you come with a friend, you may be inclined to stick to your safe person. That may limit you. Stand up tall in a “power posture” and then talk to the registration people, the photographer, the drinks servers. Ask them to introduce you to someone. If you’re early, they probably will have time to help guide you.
2. Don’t work the room. Don’t be a dork. Zipping along from person to person and handing out cards is meaningless. Better to have a nice conversation with the host or one other person who is a veteran in the group than to flutter around aimlessly.
3. Ask. Don’t tell. Yes, be ready to say what you do in about 4 seconds. But it’s much friendlier to take an interest in the other person. Be curious. Ask questions. Ask follow-up questions.
4. Offer to help. Some call this section, “Add value” – but in the spirit of keeping it real and not sounding so businessy, I just say, “”try to find ways to help.” If you know of a book that might be a good read for someone, recommend it. Likewise if you know a good plumber or some other product or service that me be relevant to the person you may be speaking with.
AFTER
1. Follow-up and follow-through. If you did recommend a book, add the link to where that book can be bought in your follow-up email. You should follow-up as quickly as possible. The next day if at all possible. Be friendly, don’t be desperate. No matter who these people are, you are another human so don’t overly genuflect. Just be nice.
There’s much more that we covered last night, but these are some good starters.
As they say, “You really had to be there” to get the full impact of our role-playing, Q&A and other lively interactions. But, I hope you pick up a tip or two, but more importantly, put them into action to work for you!
As a final word of tried and true wisdom, If you want a friend, be a friend. “
Copyright 2016 Gina London. All Rights Reserved.
