Building Networking Skills With Business Professionals

Dear Carnegie Coach:

I’ve recently joined a group that is made up of business professionals in my city. The organization holds many different events to bring business professionals together, these include networking events. I went to my first networking event about two weeks ago. I had a good time, however, I didn’t do much networking. Instead, I stayed with a few of the people that I had previously met. With another meeting coming up next week I wanted to know what I could do to change my approach.

Meira

Dear Meira:

Networking events can be viewed as very intimidating or it can be a resource that will help propel your career to new heights. It is always important to go into the event with enthusiasm and have a set goal in your mind. Here are a few more ideas that can make your next networking experience a successful one.

1) Arrive early – Treat the event as if you were going to a big appointment. By arriving early you can expect a more intimate setting. Walking into a room filled with people can tend to be intimidating, go early and let the room fill up around you.

2) Show confidence – Speak confidently, decisively, and with authority. If you are confident and have evidence people will take notice and recognize that you know what you are talking about and you mean business.

3) Circulate – Don’t just talk to the people that you know. Get out there and go network!

4) Meet with VIPs or speakers – Compliment them on their speech or tell them about how what they talked about ties in with what you do.

5) Stay late – The same as arriving early, staying late has the benefit of less people. It also provides a good time to connect with the coordinator of the event. Thank him or her for hosting the event. The event coordinator can provide insight on who is in attendance and who might be at the event next time. It’s never too early to prepare for the next event.

Mordechai Welt

Performance Consultant

tel.0544-904-795

mordechai_welt@dalecarnegie.com