With Fall in full swing we're back into "Networking mode". With that in mind Jane Joseph, Champion of Women Leaders at Bluegem has written the following piece entitled "How to get the most from your networking".
"With today’s digital and electronic age,
the idea of face to face networking must seem a little ‘old hat’. However, when reading through a recent edition of Pride Magazine I was reminded of how useful and influential having a
good network of people can be.
It is a commonly held believe that for
people to get ahead they need good mentors and networks around them. It has, also, been suggested that one of the
reasons that women find it difficult to forge into the higher echelons of
business is because they do not establish these networks at the same rate and
that their networks do not have the same influential status as their male
counterparts. I am not entirely sure I
fully subscribe to that point of view; however, I think that mastering the art
of good networking skills will always be useful.
So according to the Pride Mag here are some
do and don’ts of networking…
Do
·
Be presentable and prepared. You only have one opportunity to make a first
impression and you want that impression to say exactly what you want and not
leave any room for doubt. So when
getting ready make sure you are dressed and presented in a way that truly
reflects the role that you have or are aspiring to.
·
Maintain warm body language. If you are
not sure about the power of body language take it from me we leak messages
through our body all the time. Albert Mehrabian
states that the power of communication through our bodies is far greater than
the words that we use. So keep your
posture strong but your gaze and smile welcoming. The old adage that crossing your arms means
that you are unapproachable may be true when first meeting people. If a folded arm is your position of comfort,
re-adjust until people get to know you, then it will not have the same impact.
·
Be natural. As best as you can in an unfamiliar
situation, just be you. Remind yourself
that you are just as good as anyone else there.
Being authentic lets people see who you are. It is also more likely to attract people to
you. There is nothing more off putting
than someone affecting a personality that really doesn’t fit.
·
Approach groups wisely. Old-fashioned
manners ‘like grandma’ would approve of will be very useful when you are trying
to break into a group or become involved in a conversation. Have a look around; two people in intense
conversation may not wish to be disturbed so join a slightly larger group,
where several simultaneous conversations may be occurring. Be gentle in your approach and wait for an
appropriate moment to introduce yourself.
Remember you are there to network so don’t make it all about you… you
already know who you are.
·
Spread yourself. Networking is about meeting as many people as
you can, so if you have come with a friend for moral support don’t stick with
that person. Maybe have a side bet of who
can meet the most people and the winner buys coffee (or a glass of red…whatever
is the best and most appropriate for you).
DON’T
·
Be afraid of CEOs. No matter what the grade or status of an
individual we are all human. If, people in authority intimidate you, give
yourself the challenge of approaching them.
My suggestion would be that they are not the first person that you talk
to. Try out your patter on some other less imposing folk and build up your
confidence. Remember the goal is to be
remembered for the right reasons.
·
Be a time hog. Learn the art of skilfully bringing a
conversation to a close and the cues of when someone else is doing it to
you. Be prepared to move onto the next
contact with grace and ease. Keep the
conversation light before moving onto business, be inquisitive and alert to how
these connections can be mutually beneficial.
·
Forget you table manners. I know that this one might seem a little
patronising but you need to think about how you will manage to have a
conversation and also juggle a drink and your nibbles. A nice tip from Pride is to not hold your
cold drink in your right hand as it makes a handshake cold and a little damp.
·
Be too selective. Don’t be seduced by the extroverts in the
room. They may be the best at putting you
at ease but you may miss a great contact if you spend all of your time with
those who make the most noise.
So, there you have it Pride Magazines dos
and don’ts for networking with a twist from me.
I hope that you find them useful."
