WAYS TO BE MEMORABLE AT A NETWORKING EVENT- They're not all good:
It's a heck of a lot easier to start a conversation with someone after a networking event when they remember you. Here's the rub, so many of us don't engage in memorable or meaningful conversation. Worse than that, there are those of us who are remembered, but are remembered for the wrong thing.
Here is a quick list of some ways to be remembered at a networking event-note that I said they are not all good:
1. The most important networking accessory you can wear is very simple: It's a smile. People like to be around people who look like they're having fun and feel good about themselves.
2. The person to whom you are speaking is the most important person in the room. Honor them. Listen to them. Ask them questions. These are the ways they will know that they are important to you.
3. If you want to be remembered as a great conversationalist, let the person to whom you are speaking talk about themselves. It's amazing they can talk for 17 out of 20 minutes and they will walk away thinking you are a dynamic and interesting conversationalist.
4. Ask how you can be of assistance and be generally interested in the answer. You are there (or at least should be) to help. Do so. Networking starts with an expressed need. Let them express their needs and do what you can to see those needs fulfilled.
5. Be a connector. People will tell you how you can help them. Do so. It's very powerful to have someone call you to thank you for the outstanding referral or opportunity that was generated as a result of your interaction with them.
On to the flip side
6. Be rude. Interrupt often. Stare at your blackberry as they speak.
7. Talk only about you and your needs. Pay no mind to what they have to say or what may be important to them.
8. Look around the room constantly as there may be someone better there for you to be speaking to.
9. Play the one-upmanship game. Every time they tell you a story or something of interest, let them know that your story is better or more important.
Needless to say these are both ways to be memorable. The difference is one set of ideas will get get you a lot farther than the other set. Choose wisely.
How do you make yourself stick out in the minds of the people you just met?
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Great advice Terry!
I especially like tip #5, being a connector. From a personal visibility standpoint, nothing you can do will build trust faster with someone you are networking with than to make quality introductions. Kudos if you can do it during a networking event!
Thanks Terry. Most of us need to be reminded to be better listeners.
Some people are afraid to attend networking events because they don't know what to say. If you come prepared with an ice breaking question to start a conversation, it can be a lot more relaxing to know you're really there to listen and help.
Terry,
That is a great list. And I love lists.
But I'm the guy that will put your five points on a spreadsheet and tick them off, then when I check off number five will say OK now it's all about me. I did the 5 now I'll latch on and suck the life out of the poor guy/girl.
Therefore, my first step has to be looking myself in the mirror and saying "Jonathan its not about you!". I have to repeat this until I believe it. If I can't bring myself to believe it I may need to refrain from wading into the network pool.
Great list! These five things need to be placed securely in our memory and recalled before and during an event.
One more for the flip side - never, never, never try to sell to people in your network. If you impress them and they have a need, they will approach you (probably after the event).
Hey Y'all,
I had a good friend that was a great conversationalist. He asked a lot of questions and truely seemed interested in your answers. I used to watch him work a crowd and I learned tons from him. This was almost 30 years ago. The rules are the same today. Ask and listen.
Cheers,
Mike
Terry
Thanks for the reminder it is what true networking is all about. Helping others
Laura Morris
Terry - As always, great reminders. I'd add three.
1. Remember, networking events are not about a sale TODAY. They are about building long-term relationships and giving people a sense of you. For those of you who are dating (or who remember dating!), networking events are the initial introduction, not the date itself.
2. Speak up! When you ARE talking (and, yes, please do remember Terry's point #3), speak loud enough that the other person can hear you. And when you're in the circle introducing yourself, speak loud enough so everybody can hear you.
3. Look people in the eye. It can be hard in a noisy room, since you need to get your ear close enough to their mouth so you can understand what they're saying, but, PLEASE, look up! Look people in the eye. You want to connect with them? That's a fundamental way to do it. Same for when you're in that big circle. Hold your head up. Be proud of yourself and what you do! And make eye contact.