First…you won’t need business cards. Well, not so many at least.
Prepare to attend networking events by tuning up your radar…sharpen your sensors and turn your awareness to the present tense. I believe the behavior that will serve you most effectively when meeting others is the awareness of how you can help them. Regardless of what ever widget you sell, or service you deliver, if you’re in the business of helping others succeed, you will be a success.
You get to the event…load up on the bagels/fruit/muffins early…secure your beverage in your left hand and meet someone. At that point, the zen prevails…connect HERE…listen NOW…and ASK sincere questions. Focus on your purpose for being here, to totally ENGAGE with this person in the PRESENT. Don’t let your gaze wander. Then, proceed to your next engagement. Perhaps introduce one contact to another.
I find if I practice this zen, I have networked for quality rather than quantity. And when I can help the person I just engaged with in solving their problem, I have helped raise the level of networking in the room.
GIVE, and GIVE again. And as Keith Ferrazzi coaches…DON’T KEEP SCORE.
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So very true, Jim. I find that my participation with online social networking (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) makes these in-person events so much richer. The live engagement takes on a sense of real authenticity when on-going connection is in the offing. Online social networking provides the time and the platform for discovery of shared interests that the constraints of in-person events cannot accommodate.
Jim,
You are a master at this! And you are so right (as usual) I really enjoy networking events so much more since my goal is to learn about someone else’s business! I never fail to walk away with a great new contact or two, new ideas and knowledge about something (or someone) new.
Great post.