No matter how many times I attend networking events, I have to admit I still get a little nervous. One of my first mentors always told me to keep two things in mind when nerves take hold: 1) Everyone else is in the same boat — if the idea of approaching people you don’t know intimidates you, start with someone that’s standing alone because chances are they feel the same way you do, 2) Smile (genuinely) and people will find you approachable — simple and it works.
Day Two of the Summit is here, and one of the things I wanted to share from today’s discussions were some tips on how to work a room with confidence (stolen with permission (!) from the presentation given by Roberto Moreno and Elisse Heine of Divertido Urban Jaunt and Redman Technologies:
+ Relax and Have Fun
+ Be Real – dress, act and speak honestly
+ Be Prepared — have business cards ready, carry a pen, look presentable, prepare a brief summary on who you are, etc.
+ Be Open-minded and Treat Everyone Equally — don’t judge a person on first impressions
+ Just Ask and Offer Help When Your Able — but remember that people are there as resources, not for you to have a free ride
+ Give Without Exception –- No strings attached
+ Listen Well, Listen Always
+ Circulate and Engage — don’t “clump” with co-workers or people you already know
+ Network Always — always, anywhere, anytime
Read more: http://www.unlimitedmagazine.com/blog/?p=33#comments#ixzz0nahVuveL
Under Creative Commons License: Attribution Non-Commercial No Derivatives
Sign-up For FREE Updates
