Becoming the
“life of the party” is not just for college anymore and it doesn’t need to
involve crazy antics and copious amounts of alcohol. Becoming the life of a networking party can help you gain the
contacts you need to get a jump start on your job search. Here are a few tips:
- Use
a winning smile. People love and
are attracted to happy people.
Happy people smile. Use
your winning smile to appear more approachable and attract more winners at your
next networking event.
- Ask
questions. No, don’t ask people if they know about any hot job leads. That’s for later. Take the time to ask your contacts
about their lives and activities.
You would be amazed at how easily people open up to others who are
genuinely interested in them.
- Listen
closely. There’s nothing worse
than someone who greets you at a networking event only to scan the room for
their “next victim” while you’re talking. When you approach someone at a
networking event, it’s important that you take the time to really listen and
engage them. Don’t do “drive-by networking” it’s just annoying and plain rude.
- Study
their business card. When someone
hands you their business card take the time to look at it, read their name
aloud and comment on their business before you place the card in your purse or
wallet. Doing this reinforces the
fact that you are genuinely interested in that person.
- Remember
their name and repeat often.
People love the sound of their name. When speaking with contacts at a
networking event be sure to remember their name and ask them how to properly
pronounce it if it’s difficult to say.