If you know the right techniques, working a room can be fun rather than frightening.
First you need to put together the tools that will help you be a successful networker. These include your business card (get one - even if you are between employments or just barely starting your business - otherwise you will probably end up with a pocket full of paper napkins), a list of people whose work you respect (to fulfill the giving part of the networking process), and a tracking system to keep from being overwhelmed by all the new names you will acquire.
The best tip in working a room is to not "go it alone" but take a buddy along. Preferably, this would be someone who knows some of the people there, although that is not absolutely necessary. This way you each meet people and can introduce the other to them along with an endorsement. You look more than a little silly if you introduce yourself too someone and immediately tell them how wonderful you are. However, it's a whole different scenario if someone else, in introducing you, mentions what a great "whatever" you are.
SOME SUGGESTIONS, IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER OF IMPORTANCE.
•Check the news before you go to the event to make sure you haven't missed something of vital importance to the industry.
•Make sure you have your "elevator speech" down pat so that you can introduce your self clearly and quickly. (A great exercise is to see if you can get it down to 15 words.)
•Just because someone is standing alone doesn't mean they aren't a potentially valuable contact - pair up with them and become a group others want to join.
•Anyone attending a networking event is there to meet other people - their reason may be different from yours but you can correctly assume that they will welcome your approach. If, by some strange reason they don't, you're better off not wasting your time.
•Groups that have a gap in the circle are open to new people joining them - as are duos who are not directly facing each other less than 24 inches apart.
AND A FEW LOGISTICS
•Wear your nametag on the right side so that when someone shakes hands with you they will see your face with your name right under it. This may help them to remember you.
•Your handshake is vitally important because it is the only time in business when we legitimately touch another person so it leaves a lasting, if subliminal, message. To ensure a pleasant handshake, carry any cold drink in your left hand so that you don't give people a cold, wet hand to shake.
•Carry your business cards on one pocket (left or right) and those you receive in the other along with a small pen to make notes on the cards. Make the notes when you are talking to someone, especially if you promise to send them something, but no later than when you hang up the jacket that night.
•Sit at a table with as many strangers as possible - they probably won't be strangers by the end of the event.
•Finally, relax and have fun - and you'll have a lot more friends soon.
With your permission, I’d like to offer you a free Networking Smarts Assessment Tool. You can download it by going to http://www.acatalystinyoursuccess.com/WorkingARoom.html
If you would like to hear more about resumes and the other tools you need to conduct a successful job search visit http://www.acatalystinyoursuccess.com/Career_Home_Page.html
