Speeching - The art of mingling: how to make connections before, after and during the event
ArielAharoni.com
Define goals in advance of the event, and do not get stuck in a conversation with only one person all evening; This will take advantage of social and business events for networking.
You have been invited to the event and you do not know any of the guests. For many, this is a nightmare, since it is often difficult to develop a natural conversation with strangers. However, despite the difficulties, it is important to learn how to do so. Social events are our opportunity to meet new friends and business acquaintances.
Before the event
1. Prepare homework in advance - find out which organizations or groups will be present at the event, and who will represent them.
2. Search the names of some of the people or organizations participating in the event to learn more about them.
3. Define your goals for the event in advance.
Prepare a plan of action, for example, to recognize two or four. Three new people and exchange business cards.
5. Make sure to take your business cards with you. In fact, never leave home without them.
During the event
1. When you meet with people, keep eye contact and keep a strong handshake.
2. Display the name tag in a prominent place, for example near the right shoulder. Most people shake hands with the right hand, so the person you greet will most likely look toward your right shoulder.
3. When you are introduced to a business meeting, you can break the ice if you mention your name and role. If you are not officially presented, do not be shy and just go to the people and introduce yourself. This will help the conversation flow.
4. On social occasions, this may seem a bit puzzling if you mention your profession and role. Instead, ask the person standing before you how they know the host or whether they live in the area. These two questions can develop a conversation that may even reveal that you have common interests.
5. Be interested in what others say by asking questions about what they have just said. The subject of conversation most people prefer is themselves.
6. Share business cards only to people who ask.
7. If you have succeeded in forming common areas of interest with another person, ask him if he has a business card to give you. In this case, you can easily offer it to you.
8. Separate the business cards that people give you and yours so that you do not accidentally share someone else's card.
9. Turn around. Do not stick to a conversation with just one person, but remember that your goal is to meet a few people. To move on, they simply said, "It was nice talking." If you've created a real connection you can add: "Hope to talk to you again soon."
10. If the person you are talking to is standing, you too. In any case, it is better to stay standing so that you can walk among the people.
After the event
If you did not collect business cards, write down the names of the people you met and add comments from your impressions. You can do this on your smartphone and simply send you the document by e-mail.
Keep in touch with emails and phone calls. Remind people of who you are and what your common interests are.
Want to learn how to make connections and how to make friends and influence? Write to us and we will send you free guides and a big discount for "How to Make Friends and Influence People"
Comments