1. Guidelines on How to Work a Business Reception
• Observe the 5 minute rule (no more than 5 minutes with anyone).
If the conversation is going well. Schedule a follow up over coffee.
• Have a list of people you want to meet [do your homework].
• Have your elevator speech polished.
• Dress appropriately for the occasion.
• Be prepared: business cards, pen, hanky.
• Don’t spend time with friends and colleagues. You already know
them!
• Eat or drink – not both. Keep at least one hand free.
• Watch your non-verbals. Don’t convey nervousness or anxiety.
• You are working, not playing. Stay focused on meeting the people
you need to meet.
• Ask people to talk about themselves [don’t talk much about you].
• Don’t sell! Nobody wants to be “sold” at a networking event
• Follow up – make notes on their business card of any
commitments.
2. • If you don’t know a soul, look for the person with a lot of ribbons
on their badge (Past President, current Officer). Explain who you
are and what you do and ask them to introduce you around. They
are usually very happy to help a new person (and prospective
group member).
![Guidelines on How to Work a Business Reception
• Observe the 5 minute rule (no more than 5 minutes with anyone).
If the conversation is going well. Schedule a follow up over coffee.
• Have a list of people you want to meet [do your homework].
• Have your elevator speech polished.
• Dress appropriately for the occasion.
• Be prepared: business cards, pen, hanky.
• Don’t spend time with friends and colleagues. You already know
them!
• Eat or drink – not both. Keep at least one hand free.
• Watch your non-verbals. Don’t convey nervousness or anxiety.
• You are working, not playing. Stay focused on meeting the people
you need to meet.
• Ask people to talk about themselves [don’t talk much about you].
• Don’t sell! Nobody wants to be “sold” at a networking event
• Follow up – make notes on their business card of any
commitments.](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/dc7b31de-1f58-4ba4-ab18-81e9327f68ad-150911203637-lva1-app6891/85/how-to-work-a-business-reception-1-320.jpg)
