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© 2009 60 Second Online University, a division of BKV, Inc.
By Ann Pruitt, Associate, 60 Second Communications
Anyone who has been to a professional networking meeting can describe the first time they walked into a room filled with people they didn’t know: nerve-wracking. Where to even begin? I distinctly remember the meeting room of my first networking meeting some fifteen years ago, and the emotional challenge I faced…. I try to look confident as I search name tags, frantically looking for someone – anyone – I might know, think I know, or might have known in the past. Then, when I finally begin the first superficial conversation, the person I am “talking” to is busy looking over my shoulder for someone else to talk to…. It still makes me cringe as I re-live it.
But networking doesn’t have to be such a nightmare. With our jobs crumbling around us these days, we need to learn to take the fear out of face-to-face. Fortunately, networking meetings have become far more available these days, and far more people are far more skilled at making these get-togethers far more worthwhile. Here are a few hints that have worked for me:
1) Always bring lots of business cards. Even if you have to do a quick design and print it out at home, do it. No one can contact you if they don’t know how to get back in touch. Don’t be embarrassed to give out your card, either. “Can I have one of your cards? And here’s mine.”
2) Always have a one or two sentence statement for what you do and what you are looking for. “I have eleven years’ experience in the training industry, and I’m looking for a full-time job designing and delivering training, preferably for a Fortune 500 company. But I’m interested in contract work until I find that job.”
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3) Don’t hard sell or look desperate. Everyone there is desperate. That’s part of the fun. Instead, think of the person you are speaking with as a resource for other people you should talk with. “Is your company hiring?” can put uncomfortable pressure on the other person – and the easy answer is, “no.” Rather, say, “Do you have any suggestions for people or companies I might contact?” Whew! Pressure off, and now you’ve put them in a position of “expert.” The company they suggest might be their own.
4) Be distinctive. One guy used to show up at these meetings wearing a hat with a hot pepper on it. Then, when I’d see him at conferences or other networking meetings, I knew right away it was the same guy. I have a question mark broach that I wear. People remember it! Just have a gimmick saying for when people ask you about it. “You got questions, I got answers. I’m a trainer.”
5) Keep the cards you receive. Mark the meeting and date on the back, along with anything to spark your memory about that person. If you had particularly good conversation, send them an email the next day telling them how much you enjoyed meeting them. Review these cards before that group meets again.
6) Don’t wait until you need a job to network. Maintain these relationships, help others, and they will help you.
7) Realize everyone else is as uncomfortable as you are. So any conversation you start about anything is a relief to everyone. Since people are there to meet people, it’s expected that you just walk up to a total stranger and start talking. “Hi, I’m Ann Pruitt.”
8) Conversation starters can include anything: Comment on how many people are there are this month. Notice the view from the window. Go to the food table and start talking about the cute quiches. Say something funny. Or just introduce yourself. (Hey, there’s an idea!) “Hello. I’m Ann Pruitt.”
9) Once you’ve made eye contact, it’s started. Now you have to go with it. “Hi, I’m Ann Pruitt.”
10) Be professional in your demeanor. Don’t comment on the poor speaker, the bad food, or the cramped meeting space. Focus instead on the professional reason you are there- to meet people. “Hi, I’m Ann Pruitt.”
11) Listen to them! One great way I’ve found to get a conversation going is to focus on the other person’s experience. Ask them questions, and they’ll talk.
These face-to-face networking meetings can jump start your career search, and have the advantage over social media networks like LinkedIn because they provide real conversation time. But they won’t work unless you make them work – so get out there and work it!
Ann Pruitt is an associate at 60 Second Communications and hold two -- count 'em, two -- Masters degrees, one in Management and the other in Education.
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