How many times have you stood at the entrance to a networking mixer frozen in fear? “A root canal would be easier than this,” you say to yourself. Having to make small talk with strangers, trying to be interesting and charming, is not your strength nor your idea of a good time. But you believe that if you can just endure this for an hour, you might walk away with some valuable new contacts. The reality is that your discomfort often has negative results, and you don’t gain the new relationships you had sought.
In the 1930s, Swiss psychologist Carl Jung coined the term introvert as someone who tends to find his psychological energy within… in the world of thought, contemplation and reflection. This inward focus can result in a tendency to pull back and maintain a safe distance, especially around new people.
In the world of networking, introverts can face a long list of daunting challenges – not the least of which is sending nonverbal messages that may be misinterpreted as aloofness. And “aloof” is not a good message when your purpose is to mix, mingle, and foster new relationships.
As a card-carrying introvert myself (by Jung’s definition), I’ve developed some guidelines that have always worked well and have allowed me to be confident and outgoing at networking events. Practice these, and you will soon become the “master of the mixer”: Read the rest of this entry
Looking for some valuable networking advice to carry with you to your next networking event? Watch this video by Andrea Nierenberg for some good thoughts.
We’ve heard it before – networking is a fundamental element of building a business. What’s a business without suppliers, customers and overall, a community of support? Large or small, businesses need to pay close attention to creating a world of reliable and valuable contacts.
For small businesses, in particular, there are resources dedicated to cultivating effective networks. First stop: your local chamber of commerce. Small businesses comprise the bulk of chamber of commerce membership in the U.S. In fact, almost 96% of U.S. Chamber member companies have fewer than 100 employees. Read the rest of this entry
Pay it Forward (Warner Brothers Pictures, 2000), is one of my favorite movies. In it, a young boy has a remarkable idea that instead of paying someone back for a kindness they have given, you pay someone forward with a kindness you have to offer. The rules of paying it forward are simple:
#1 It has to be something that really helps people.
Business networking events are ideal places to meet new clients. But it’s not enough to just show up. If you park yourself at a table, or gossip with your business partner, you won’t make any new connections.
The problem often lies in knowing what to say. For most people, it’s intimidating to approach a stranger, introduce yourself, and start a conversation.
Chances are, before heading out to a business or social event, you think about what you will wear, how you will get to the event, and even where you will park. How often do you plan what you will say once you get there?
This article gives you 7 tips to help you prepare for a networking event, so you never feel tong-tied or at a loss for words.
The problem often lies in knowing what to say. For most people, it’s intimidating to approach a stranger, introduce yourself, and start a conversation.
