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Have you encountered the mingling mishaps, the conversation creators and killers or just wondered what to DO or SAY next?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How do I choose whom to approach in an event?
A. Pick the person who is smiling, has eye contact and "looks approachable". HINT, to be approachable we need to make sure we are doing both.
Q.What do I say to people I don't know at a business event?
A. A comment related to the group, the event, the venue is what you have in common and a perfect opener. Or "Seems like a lot of traffic. How did you find a good parking place?"
"Is this your first time here?" "Have you been here before the $5,000,000 renovation?"
Stand by the buffet. And casually say, "This grav lax looks great… have you tried it yet?" or "This dessert buffet has my basic food groups: lemon squares, chocolate truffles, brownies and cream puffs!" (Health nuts will NOT consider this a good conversation starter… but the rest of us will)!
Q. How do we exchange biz cards gracefully?
A. Biz cards FOLLOW a conversation… not precede it. You may offer yours by saying, "Do you have a card? May I offer you one of mine?"
TIP: When we do receive a card, do NOT shove it in a pocket… look at it. It is a way of honoring someone's card. Repeat their name and company name. And look at the person. That will also help you remember them and their name. (See The Secrets of Savvy Networking.. biz card chapter for more tips).
Q. What happens when you arrive at an event and everyone is in groups talking? How can I get into a conversation?
A. Pick the noisiest group that is having fun, talking and laughing of 3 or more people. Stand in the periphery. Give agreeable body language (smile, nod, open stance). When someone glances your way, say something.. and then your name if that feels appropriate.Then you can step into the conversation.
TIP: This is not the time to change the topic to your agenda, your company, services or products. IT is just time to schmooze! Groupchat.
Q. How can I MAKE people remember my name?
A. If that were only possible! Several tips: Dress for the occasion. Go to have fun. Smile. Be interested in others. Say your name clearly and repeat theirs. And LISTEN. That is most memorable. Have some prepared topics so you have something to contribute to the conversation.
TIP: Remember to always extend your hand and SAY your name even if you think you met the person. Most people respond in kind and will say their names. And then nobody struggles with names.
Q. One of my friends has a cousin that I believe is a good business contact for me. How do I get him to introduce us without being a user?
A. Networking is the sharing of resources, yet we do NOT want to put people on the spot. You could say, " Jon, your cousin, Joe, is the purchasing agent for Tastiefreezers. If you are comfortable saying something, it would be great if I could meet him."
This is an indirect and clear way of letting Jon know what you would like WITHOUT backing him in the corner.
You could say, "Jon, I really want to talk to your cousin, Joe, I think we could do business. I want his phone number."
This is direct, but could be an imposition and put Jon in an uncomfortable situation.
Take the Schmooze Quotient Quiz to find out how you score. |
