{"id":13081,"date":"2014-11-03T01:55:49","date_gmt":"2014-11-03T08:55:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/svapm.org\/?p=13081"},"modified":"2019-08-11T00:33:16","modified_gmt":"2019-08-11T07:33:16","slug":"handle-uncomfortable-business-networking-events","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/svapm.org\/?p=13081","title":{"rendered":"How to handle uncomfortable business networking events"},"content":{"rendered":"

Hello, this is Laura Lee Rose. \u00a0I am a speaker and author.\u00a0 I am an expert in time and project management.<\/p>\n

I help busy professionals and entrepreneurs create effective systems so that they can comfortably delegate to others, be more profitable and have time to enjoy life even if they don\u2019t have time to learn new technology or train their staff.\u00a0 I have a knack for turning big ideas into on time and profitable projects.<\/p>\n

At the end of the day, I give people peace of mind.
\nToday\u2019s question came from a busy professional interested in freeing some time and space to advance in his career.<\/p>\n


\nWe all understand the importance and value of business networking. How do we handle networking events in a proper and professional manner?<\/i><\/p>\n

One of the best ways to break the ice at a networking event is to pretend or put on the persona of a host.\u00a0 Focus your attention on \u201cyour guests\u201d.\u00a0 Put the spotlight onto them.\u00a0 Allow them to shine and talk about themselves.\u00a0 Most people are there to talk about themselves, anyway \u2013 why to against the flow?<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Ask them questions about \u201cWhat brought them here tonight?\u201d \u201cWhat are they hoping to gain or what are their goals for this meeting?\u201d<\/li>\n
  2. If they share that they are looking for referrals on XYZ or people that they can work with on ABC \u2013 connect them to someone that you just met at the same meeting that shares those goals.<\/li>\n
  3. Don\u2019t stay too long with any one person.\u00a0 Like a host, make sure you mingle.\u00a0 You can say \u201cI know you want to meet more people, and I want to respect your time.\u00a0 I would love to stay in contact, why don\u2019t we exchange contact information and make plans to call each other on Thursday.\u00a0\u00a0 How does that sound?\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    If you really want to stay in contact, take out your calendar and then move on.<\/p>\n

    But what if you are shy or is an introvert?\u00a0 Are there any other special tips for us?<\/i><\/p>\n

    Normally what makes shy people uncomfortable is having the spotlight shined on ourselves.\u00a0 So \u2013 much like the above advice, shine the spotlight on other people.\u00a0 Instead of worrying about what other people think about you \u2013 focus on learning more about the other person.\u00a0 People love to talk about themselves and it takes the pressure off you to carry the entire conversation.<\/p>\n

    Also, look around to see if anyone is sitting alone or hiding in the corner (make sure it\u2019s not you doing the hiding as well).\u00a0 Then go up and visit them.\u00a0 They may be feeling uncomfortable, so be a good host and go up and introduce them to some other folks.<\/p>\n

    For additional articles and videos on tips for introverts, check out these artifacts:<\/p>\n