Knowing how to “work” a room simply means socializing at any event, meeting new people, reconnecting with others, mixing and mingling and, most importantly, conversing and CONNECTING. It sounds easy but often can be uncomfortable. These 10 commandments are a good guideline for attending any gathering —be it business or social.
THE 10 COMMANDMENTS OF CONNECTING
- THOU SHALT PREPARE:
- Attitude
- Focus
- Self‑introduction
- Conversation
- Business Cards
- Smile and Handshake
- THOU SHALT ATTEND:
R.S.V.P. and Go! Act like a gracious host.
- THOU SHALT TRY STRATEGIES:
- Read nametags.
- Go with a buddy.
- Talk to “wallflowers”
Approach and be approachable.
- Smile.
- Allow for serendipity.
- Listen.
- Care.
- Extricate courteously and circulate gracefully.
- Follow up in a timely fashion
- Call or send “thank you’s”
- THOU SHALT SAY SOMETHING…ANYTHING:
- Don’t wait; initiate.
- Take the risk; the rewards are thine.
- Listen with interest to the response.
- Smile and make eye contact.
- Pay attention!
- THOU SHALT MIND THY MANNERS:
- Learn old and new etiquette and brush up on thy manners;
Learn the customs of other cultures when in other countries
- Acknowledge others.
- Treat everyone nicely.
6 THOU SHALT AVOID THESE BEHAVIORS
- Do not arrive late.
- Don’t leave too early.
- Don’t drink too much.
- Don’t gorge at the buffet table.
- Don’t misuse the buddy system by joining thyselves at thy hips.
- Don’t bring thy gadgets (cell phone, smart phone or Bluetooth).
- THOU SHALT REMEMBER THE THREE E’S:
- Make an EFFORT.
- Bring thine ENERGY.
- Exude ENTHUSIASM.
- THOU SHALT DRESS APPROPRIATELY:
Unsure? Ask!
- THOU SHALT REMEMBER THE THREE C’S:
- COURTESY
- CHARM
- CHUTZPAH
- THOU SHALT BRING THY SENSE OF HUMOR (NOT JOKES):
Not sure? Use the A.T.& T. TestTM: Make sure your humor is Appropriate Timely & Tasteful and never at the expense of others.
Follow these “suggestions” and you will shine in any room!
© 2016 Susan RoAne
From Susan RoAne’s best-selling book, How To Work a Room® which is also her protectable trademark; published by Harper Morrow. Available also as audiobook by MacMillan, on Kindle and iPad. All rights reserved.
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