This document provides tips for networking at events, including how to introduce yourself with a 30 second introduction, tips for conversations at the event, and following up after the event. It recommends focusing a 30 second introduction on the solutions or benefits you provide rather than just your job. It also lists the top 10 tips for networking events, such as arriving early, having a plan to meet key people, making 3 good connections by exchanging useful information, and following up. The document concludes with tips for cross-cultural mixers such as making eye contact, smiling, and being willing to join conversations.

1. Networking at an Event What to say, What to do and How to follow up

2. Outline Information on creating your 30 second introduction. Pairs Activity: Practice your 30 second introduction. Top 10 tips for making the most of a networking event. Cross-Cultural mixer tips Activity: Networking Event

3. What to Say at the Event For those you know: Ask sincerely how they are and how things have been this year. Make plans to follow up with them and then focus on meeting new people. For those you don't know: Be prepared with your 30 second commercial. Keep it interesting and positive. Make sure it focuses on the solutions or benefits that you provide, rather than just your job or title.

4. How to put together your 30 Second Introduction Purpose: To introduce yourself in a way that will be memorable, will explain value you bring and will encourage continued conversation. Here's a simple, but effective approach. Just fill in the blanks “ I work with (type of clients) who have (these types of problems, issues or challenges).” Continue by telling them why you are unique. “ I am known for (trait, unusual skill or notable accomplishment)”. End with a question. “Who do you know that works in my industry?”

5. Try to avoid Avoid the “What You Are” or “What You Do Approach” . This tends to be boring and your listener(s) may not understand what you do or the value you bring. Avoid using terms not used in everyday conversation Avoid immediately asking for a job. Build rapport first. Don’t “glue onto” 1 person for a long time, spend some time in a conversation and then excuse yourself to get another drink or that you would like to introduce them to a friend of yours.

6. 10 Arrive early. Give yourself time to get your bearings. Relax and enjoy the opportunity to meet new people. 9 Know what you plan to say and practice. Make sure you have your 15 second introduction down. 8 Be hands free. Having your hands free to shake other’s hands and exchange business cards will make networking go smoother. If you do decide to eat at the event, try to keep your right hand empty for greeting people. At the event “Top 10 list”

7. 7 Have a plan for who you want to meet. Make the best use of your time. Know who is expected to come and seek out the most critical ones for your search. It is helpful to meet lots of people but it is most helpful if you focus your time on people who are in the best position to help. 6 Make at least 3 good connections. What’s a good connection? One where useful information is exchanged and follow up makes sense. At the event “Top 10 list”

8. At the event “Top 10 list” 5 Give your card out to people when, and if, they show interest in what you are doing. However, it's much more important that you get other people's cards and then follow up with them. This gives you more control so you don't have to sit by the phone waiting for them to call you. 4 Make everyone you talk with feel important. Let them know they are special and valued. Offer sincere compliments and pay attention to what they have to say.

9. 3 Have a positive attitude. Enjoy the event you’re attending and let the host or organizer know how much you appreciate the hard work she or he put into make the event a success. 2 Plant the seed for future contact. Don’t fall into the rut of suggesting you should get together for lunch sometime and never following up. Instead say, “you know, I have something I think you’d enjoy receiving. I’ve put together a new article entitled ‘Ten Ways to Improve Productivity in Tight Times.’ Let’s have lunch and I will give you a copy. At the event “Top 10 list”

10. Send more time asking questions and listening than talking. You will get a much better sense of how you can help people if you focus on listening to them instead of talking about yourself. Furthermore, people are much more likely to form a positive and lasting impression of you if you show interest in them. At the event “Top 10 list”

11. Cross-Cultural Mixer Tips It is OK to eat and talk while having a conversation with people. The food and drink is a part of making people feel more comfortable with one another. Just remember not to talk with your mouth full. Move around. Don’t stand or sit in one place the whole time . The more people you meet the more productive the event will be for you. Make sure you visit the as much of the room as possible.

12. Join in on a conversation. It is OK to join a friend who is talking to someone and introduce yourself when there is a break or pause in the conversation. You can even join in on a conversation with people you don’t know. Just say hello and ask if you can join them. 4. Make eye contact and smile. This will help people feel more comfortable in talking with you and make them want to approach you. If you are at ease and welcoming others will be too. Cross-Cultural Mixer Tips

13. Remember If you have the intent to make the most of out of the networking event, you might be surprised at the number of new opportunities that come your way. Stay positive, even If nothing happens right away, at least you've sowed the seeds for the future.

14. Questions? Copies of this presentation can be found at: www.linkedin.com/in/jennykahn