Brain Vibe

If I have to talk to one person, no problem.  If you put me in a room with more than 20 where I’m the center of attention, no problem.  Put me in a room where I know no one and am left to my own resources to network, terrified!

I’m not sure that this is all that different for most people.  In fact, I found out at a recent Power Lunch hosted by the AMA of Southern New England that it is pretty common.  When I found this out it was like attending Introverts Annonomous.

Diane Darling, a leader in the art of networking, spoke on how to effectively network.  A self described introvert, she has perfected the art with survival guide tips to follow and a diagram of how to work a room.

1. Conversation:  Be prepared with 3 neutral questions.  Ex:  “Are you from the area?”.  Avoid personal stuff, sex, religion, and politics
2. Eating/Drinking:  Do not arrive hungry.  It is difficult to juggle food with handshaking and business card exchanges.  Keep your drink in your left hand.  Otherwise handshakes feel clammy
3. Thank yous:  An e-mail works in some circumstances.  Consider sending a handwritten note to make a special impression
4. Handshakes:  2 pumps, let go
5. Name badge:  Upper right side of your chest.
6. How long to talk:  3-5 minutes.  8 minutes maximum
7. Wardrobe:  When in doubt, go up a notch
8. Networking kit:  pen, Sharpie for badge, breath mints, business cards

Her newest aid is a seminar called Water Cooler Football.  The premise is that football, the great American sport, is just the topic for striking up a friendly conversation and breaking the ice in order to create a new friend and ally in your networking community.  You learn the ins and outs of the game and practice your new skills.

There is definitly someting to having things to talk about and connect on.  Networking isn’t just about business.  There is a personal quality that creates a bond and trust between those that meet.  Socially, people need to be able to relate to one another before they can trust each other.

Such it is with Marketing.  In the grand scheme of things, Marketing is Networking.  What can we learn about working a room, finding things to break the ice, and eventually turning new connections into relationships that become our promotors – and us of them?

Next time you attend an event, go to a networking function, or are just standing in the elevator with someone, study the fine art of networking and build connections from this behavior into your marketing tactics.

Check out The Networking Survival Guide

Filed under: networking, Business, communication, diane darling, effective networking, marketing, Marketing and Advertising, networking, survival guide, water cooler football