Network Now
It's back to networking for some of us. So here are my top Ten Tips.
Dear <<First Name>>,
Reading Time: 2 mins 3 secs
In most countries - including my own, England - Covid restrictions are coming to an end. For many of us, life can return to normal. Whether you choose the 'old normal' or a new normal is up to you.
[Unless, of course, you are directly affected by Russia's war against Ukraine. For you, I hope for a return to the 'normal' of your choice, as soon as possible.]
So, it's back to networking for some of us. And, not all of you will look forward to that. But, at least I can offer you my top Ten Tips.
Be Personal
Networking is personal. So don't lead with business. Maybe start with 'How are you?'
Remember Names
Why do we find names so hard to remember? The answer is disarmingly simple: we don't care enough to make the effort. Repeat their name when you hear it, use it a couple of times (properly, in their preferred format), and remember it.
Three Words
No one wants an essay when they ask you what you do. Nor do they really want a promotional 'elevator pitch'. Yuk. Keep it simple. Three words are enough to specify every 3 metre square on the planet. So there should be three words that describe you, as a starter.
What me?
Okay, today, I'm a: 'Project Management YouTuber'.
(The closest place is project.manage.younger and it's in Columbia)
Shy People
If you are shy and you want to find someone to speak with... Look for other shy people. They will be grateful that you spoke with them. And they will see you as confident and charismatic for doing so.
Not You
Don't talk about you. They aren't interested. They are interested in themselves. So ask about their interests and speak about that. This way, they will see you as an interesting person.
Be Curious
Curiosity is the way to get through networking events if you really aren't keen on them. Try to find out something interesting from as many people as you can. Yup: gamify networking and you'll get good at it.
Offer Help
Likewise, don't go into a networking situation with the intent to ask for help. Rather, look for ways you can offer small amounts of help to different people. Let their urge to reciprocate take care of the rest.
Have Opinions
Prepare by finding interesting snippets of news that you can share, and have opinions about. Keep away from whatever topics are taboo in your culture (often politics, religion, social status). Industry-related developments are usually ideal.
Strategic Buffet
Treat the buffet as a strategic asset, not as a feeding station. Eat before you go, so you can focus on listening to the people you meet. But then use the buffet as an excuse to escape the limpets, as a topic of conversation, or a place to find new people to speak with.
Move On
And don't be a limpet yourself. Seven words are all it takes to detach, so you can move on and meet someone else: 'it was good to meet you, <<First Name>>'.
Bonus Tip...
Follow-up
Don't squander your effort by doing nothing afterward. Follow up with everyone you met. Email, text message, LinkedIn, phone call...
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