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Face to-face networking
This document outlines a 5-step process for successful networking: Step 1 is to observe your surroundings and potential connections. Step 2 is to break the ice and start a conversation. Step 3 is to truly connect by asking questions and learning about the other person. Step 4 is to close the interaction by discussing next steps. Step 5 is to follow up after the interaction, such as by sending a thank you message. The overall goal is to prepare, engage authentically by listening more than talking, and follow up to solidify new connections.
Face to-face networking
- 1. 5 Steps forSuccessful Connections Presented by Susan Holt
- 2. Preparing tonetwork Step 1 – Observe Step 2 – Break the ice Step 3 – Connect Step 4 – Close Step 5 – Follow up Special note on Sr Mgmt / Officials DIY time
- 3. Socrates was right Stalk your prey Case the joint Mints vs. Gum Go small and go home
- 4. Find asecurity blanket or anchor Pick a comfortable vantage point Identify • The soloist • The megaphone • The target • The fly paper
- 5. Opening lines • The General Approach • The Bold Move • The Local lever • The Compliment Disarm and charm What’s in a name?
- 6. Ask Listen Learn Repeat! What can you offer? Topics to avoid
- 7. Know when to walk away Go for the ask State your next action / acknowledge future contact Exchange cards
- 8. Leave yourself clues Connect electronically (Eric!) Do what you promised / take up their offer Solidify your impression
- 9. Are human too! Provide context Watch for handlers Keep it Simple
- 10.
- 11. Plan ahead Observe and target Break the ice Ask lots of questions Close with what’s next Follow up promptly And most importantly.....Be human!
- 12.
Editor's Notes
- #4 Socrates – Know ThyselfStalk – look up attendees ahead of time, know who you want to meet, who’ll be there, etc – Social Media helps!Joint – Know the venue, which entrance, temperature, bathrooms, etcMints are always better than gum. But fresh breath is the end goal either way.Go small – set realistic and measurable goals, one ntwk event at a time
- #5 Security blanket = familiar face. Bring a friend!Bar can be anchor, wall, Blackberry, etc.The soloist – like you, doesn’t know many people, hanging out alone, clearly uncomfortableMegaphone – the big personality, loud talker, comedian, etc. Generally surrounded by a crowd, can be easy to approach as they love an audience.Target – a contact you’d like to make. Check out who they’re speaking to, watch for potential shared connectionsThe fly paper – the person who has someone cornered and is talking their ear off. Keep an eye out for this person so that you don’t get sucked in!Identify open groups and closed groups – is the triangle of 3 shut, or is it a more open semi-circle?
- #6 Opening lines General - Mind if I join your conversation? Bold - Terry? I recognize you from your Twitter avatar and had been hoping to meet you tonight. Event specific - What brought you out tonight? / What’s your involvement with FRYPE, etc? Compliment – I have to tell you/wanted to tell you what an eye-catching shirt/shoes/glasses you have. Where did you find it?People are attracted to admission of humanity. “These types of networking events make me nervous.” if it’s sincere. Frank statements – “I’m looking for a group to join” can be charming, as many people will understand exactly how you feel and want to help.Learn people’s names! Say yours first, then listen attentively. Repeat it. Ask, did I get that right? How do you spell that? Introduce that person to the next person to join your group to reinforce it. Use associative techniques. Whatever you can do, learning and remembering someone’s name is an important step in building a connection.
- #7 The best way to connect with people is to demonstrate a genuine interest in them. Ask them questions about why they’re there, what they do, etc. The more you learn about them, the better positioned you’ll be to help, ask for help, or leverage the connection in future.But don’t interrogate!Avoid – religion, health oriented topics, Read the Gleaner headlines and main stories to be armed with current event conversation items.
- #8 Don’t overstay your welcome. If you notice other people are waiting to talk to person X, acknowledge and welcome them in.If you’ve determined that this person has something to offer, ask for a future connection (coffee, etc.)If not, confirm what you’ve enjoyed about the conversation, let them know that you’ll send an email or follow them or add to LinkedIn, and will hope to see them at Event X.Ask for their card. Then give yours.
- #9 Write details on the card, or in your contact manager, about how/where you met the person, what was discussed, what you learnedConfirm it in an email – Ted, it was great meeting you and learning about your work with Thompson Turner. I look forward to connecting with you again in the future. Don’t hesitate to email me if your brother ever needs his taxes done.Follow on TwitterConnect on LinkedInIf you said you’d intro to, or
- #10 Like to be complimentedWatch for their handlers and build relationships with them tooLet them know what you mean to them (I’m in your ward, I work in VP X’s dept, etc)Issue your compliment, ask, point. State your planned follow-up, move on.If just relationship building, know their hot button/passion topic and ask open-ended question about it.
- #11 Within your tables, split into 2 groups. Take turns trying out opening lines to break into an ongoing conversation. Try out asking questions.
- #13 Within your tables, split into 2 groups. Take turns trying out opening lines to break into an ongoing conversation. Try out asking questions.