Networking Event - No Thank You

I know how to Strike FEAR in you?  

I just have to tell you to go to a NETWORKING EVENT & try to meet & connect with a bunch of STRANGERS. 

Oh NO!  NOT THAT!

I remember late in my career the feeling of walking into a ballroom of stakeholders who did not think very favourably about our company and the project we were working on. 

So not a potentially positive environment. 

(And staying in my hotel room was not an option)

My goal was to engage & educate these unknown stakeholders on the project benefits

 ……and convert them to supporters.

 No Small Task --- given the starting point of mistrust amongst many of them.

 Well fast forward…..

 I was one of the last people to leave the ballroom having met & positively engaged with numerous stakeholders.

Here’s my advice:

For walking into that roomful of strangers.

 KNOW Your:

1) Goal  

2) Talking points -Topics

3) How to Introduce Yourself – your elevator pitch 

4) Ask them Questions

5) Show Interest – especially when you don’t agree with something they say

6) Be Engaging – what’s your style (start by a smile & great eye contact)

7) Exit Line  – Don’t let the conversation go too long

Try this EXIT LINE “this was so interesting thank you for the chat – enjoy the rest of the event”