Yesterday was our local business journal’s annual tribute to women. Over 350 men and women mingled for 45 minutes before we were seated for lunch and the ceremony. Because I knew many of the honorees, sponsors and attendees I was looking forward to attending. During my time there I reconnected with a marketing guru I hadn’t seen in a while, connected her to a new local business that could use her assistance, spoke with a CEO about interviewing him for my new book, checked in on the expansion plans of a local firm, touched base with a former client who was recently promoted and met wonderful men and women.
I haven’t always felt comfortable attending events like this. Years ago, if I didn’t avoid them completely, I would latch on like a bloodsucker to someone I knew and stay hidden out of sight. To overcome my “fear of flubbing,” I’ve worked on several strategies.
1. Do my homework and set small goals. I would research who was likely to be there (either individuals or companies), figure out who I would like to meet and identify 1 or 2 people to reach out to.
2. Plan conversation starters. The obvious would always relate to the event for example: How long have you been a member? What got you interested in this event? Others that I’ve thought about in advance: I’ve read your book and enjoyed the chapter on . Last time I heard you speak I took what you said and had this success because of it.
3. Think & Link™ If someone mentioned that you should learn about company X or meet person Y, I’d be sure to mention it. When someone mentioned a goal they have (anything from a career goal to a vacation wish), I’d be sure to link them to information or connections that I knew could help…or think about someone who might be able to do that.
So many of us are somewhere on the journey from shy or hesitant networker, to fabulous that there have to be a zillion great tips out there. How are you making the journey? What has worked for you?
Network ON!
By Susan Colantuono
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