The document provides guidance on networking effectively at social events among strangers. It outlines the key benefits of networking as making useful contacts, discusses engaging strangers in small talk by asking questions and listening, and emphasizes following up after exchanging business cards to maintain new connections. The approach focuses on introducing oneself confidently and finding common interests to have natural conversations.

1. Networking in a Crowd
of Strangers Friends!
Facilitated by: Kathleen Parish
January 24, 2012


2. Agenda
 What’s the point?
 What’s the secret?
 The approach
 The introduction
 Making small talk
 Exchanging cards
 Practice session

3. Networking –
What’s the Point?
 Making contact with people who are:
 Interesting
 Influential
 People you may be able to help
 People who may be able to help you
 It can be fun!

4. What’s the Secret of
Networking in a Business
Social Setting?
Shhh…. Don’t tell anyone,
but…
People LOVE to talk
about themselves!

5. The Approach
 Do your homework!
 Wear a nametag
 Look for someone standing alone or with one
other person.
 Walk up to them, and if they’re talking wait until
a lull occurs in their conversation before
introducing yourself. If they’re not talking
introduce yourself immediately.

6. Introducing Yourself
Introduction Essentials
 Eye contact
 Smile
 Handshake
Keep it simple…
 “Hi, I’m ______________”.

7. Making Small Talk
 Start with a question
and LISTEN to the answer with
real interest!

8. If possible, focus the question
on a topic of mutual interest.
Someheard or are about to hear
 The event you’re attending
 The speaker you’ve just
examples:
 A major sporting event
 Your city and profession
 ?????
 Avoid anything likely to be controversial or about which
people have strong opinions, such as: politics and religion

9. Continuing the Conversation
 From the person’s response, try to add your own comment
or link to another topic.
 If you’re unable to add a comment or link, ask another
question.
 As the conversation progresses, offer your own information,
such as where you’re from, your job search, your community
work, and find the connections!

10. Exchanging Cards
 At the close of the conversation,
indicate that you’ve enjoyed talking
with this/these individual(s).
 Pull out your card and ask if they
happen to have a card they could
give you. THANK THEM!
 FOLLOW UP! Send an email and
LinkedIn request within 24 hours.

11. Networking with Strangers
Gets Easier…..
Now it’s time for a little practice….