What is the best way to work a room?
Scott Allen, Work.com community leader for Sales & Management and author of The Virtual Handshake: Opening Doors and Closing Deals Online, tells us how to make the most of networking events.
Scott suggests:
1. Make an entrance - even if you don't know anyone, take a deep breath, stand tall, start mingling, and introduce yourself, describing what you do in a memorable way.
2. Be truly engaged in conversation - listen carefully and maintain eye contact.
3. Create value for others - "leave a wake of happy people behind you."
4. Don't forget to follow up!
Chuck Davis, CEO of Fandango, in his Guide to Finding Networking Opportunities, tells us: "Be prepared to answer the “what do you do” question at a networking event with something more memorable than a job description. Focus on your vision for your company."
Scott suggests using PitchWizard to refine your introduction. Pamela Slim, business coach, has a great discussion on the power of strong language when answering "So, what do you do for a living?" in Escape From Cubicle Nation, one of my favorite blogs for entrepreneurs:
The most important outcome of introducing yourself as an entrepreneur first is that you will start to believe it yourself.
There is power in language. A Buddhist friend once told me that the words that you say form a force field of attraction around you. So don't be shy. Next time someone asks you what you do for a living, don't chicken out - position yourself as an entrepreneur!
Technorati tags: scott allen, chuck davis,business networking, escape from cubicle nation, work.com
Shara, thanks for sharing Escape from Cubicle Nation. Pamela's words ring so true!
Posted by: Melissa Paxton | October 30, 2006 at 05:06 PM