Office parties, training seminars, professional conferences, and of course, regular client and team meetings: These are the days of the modern professional. Even more present in today’s economy is the commonly ubiquitous networking group. For the social butterfly, mingling at these is a snap. But if you’re more of a shy wallflower, you may do well to review some simple steps to getting the ball rolling at your next event.
1. Smile. Even if your heart is fluttering a million miles a minute and you’d rather run and hide than look someone in the eye and start a new conversation, paste that smile on your face. It may call people to come to talk to you (so you can stay by the buffet table instead of chasing people down).
2. Shake hands. No time for germophobia now: Reaching out is a classic-and socially expected-form of communication upon first greeting, as well as many thereafter, professionally speaking. Search for and read the article on how to practice the “perfect handshake” at The Web Gangsta. (And if you really do hate germs, keep hand sanitizer handy.)
3. Say your name. Immediately introducing yourself gets right to the point. And it helps to brand you as someone who’s genuine, warm, and inviting-especially if paired with points 1 and 2 above. Most people will take this cue to introduce themselves right away, as well. Others have to be prompted. Don’t be afraid to ask, “What’s your name?” if you haven’t caught it.
4. Listen. Start by asking simple questions, like “What do you do?” or “What brings you to today’s event?” or even “What division (or our company) are you with?” Listen with your whole body: That means making direct eye contact, not scanning the room for someone else to talk to, and nodding your head to show you understand what’s being said. Don’t interrupt, either, but do repeat certain key phrases to further demonstrate that you’re really listening. This is also a great trick for remembering the conversation-as is repeating the person’s name as you talk.
5. Share your elevator pitch. Sometimes called a 30-second commercial, a good “elevator pitch” explains what you do in one minute or less. It also generates interest, so that others can ask you further questions if they like-and allows those who aren’t interested to walk away in a short amount of time, so you don’t waste your time trying to sell to them.
