‘Tis the season to … network!

There are lots of seasonal networking gatherings at this time, with good cheer,
good company, good food and good wine. Chamber mixers, holiday extravaganzas,
parties. all offer fabulous opportunities to gain more exposure and
network till you drop.

So here are some great ways I’ve learnt over the years to maximize the benefit of this fun time:

1. Make sure you have plenty of biz cards easily accessible (you
don’t want to have to go frantically digging around in your handbag or
pocket

2. Have an easy place to put the cards you receive. A special pocket
in your bag, or pouch. And make sure you have a pen to write notes on
the cards so when you follow up (and of course you will won’t you!) you
can remember important details.

3. Be interested in others. What do they do? What do they love? What
functions have they been to lately? What are they looking for? how can
you help? The age old saying givers gain’ goes a very long way. People
love to talk about themselves. Give them that chance and they’ll love
you for it. Put your networking hat on and see if you can help connect
them with what they need. Be of service. The rewards may not come back
to you immediately, nor from that particular person, but rest assured
the universe is friendly and somewhere down the track good will come to
you. Initially it’s just that good feeling that comes when you know
you’ve helped someone out. then there’s more.

4. If they ask about you (and they will if you’ve given them time to
talk about themselves) then now that you know more about them you can
taylor your response around what makes them tick. It makes for a far
more fun and productive elevator speech’ – which it isn’t really
anyway. It’s a conversation – with questions, with food and drink in
hand perhaps, and with noise going on around you so have fun with it!

5. Which brings me to the next point – have fun! You’ve probably
heard the phrase work the room’ and it feels rather self serving. How
about this phrase play the field’ – and by field I mean the energetics
of the space. Every party/gathering has a feel’ and atmosphere’. Step
into that space holding the intention to meet whoever you need to meet
for the highest good for all. Don’t get fixated on who you need to meet
and what you need to say just flow with the space. Allow yourself to
be guided. It’s amazing what happens when you let go of the need for
certain results. Trust the process and magic can happen.

6. If you have a name tag make sure it’s not dangling around your
belly or crotch or cleavage! I blows me away how many people do that.
Do you really want people staring there? Best place is up near your
right shoulder. It’s easy for people to see and not embarrass them or
you in the process.

7. A good firm handshake is great. Not a knuckle crusher, but not a
weak offering of flaccid fingers. Be intentional, allow the web between
your thumb and forefinger to meet theirs. It feels solid. You’ll know
the difference. It means you’re here, your present, you’re grounded.

8. Offer a door or raffle prize. it will give you great exposure,
and usually the funds go for a good cause which is always a good thing.
It’s also just nice to share your work with people that otherwise not
have access to it.

9. Arrive on time (lots of good networking to be had) and if you’re
a serious networker you’ll make sure you’re one of the last to leave
because mingling time is network time. lots of good conversations to
be had.

10. If you’re really out to network and gain exposure, and not just
there for entertainment, then set yourself a target of a certain number
of new people you’d like to meet. If you’ve been lassooed by someone
and it’s becoming a strain there are some tricks: The restroom visit;
or the You must meet so and so..’ tip where you hook them with another
person (genuinely for their benefit) and then move on’I'm going to get
some more food – back soon’ etc. I’m sure you have some creative ones
of your own!

Happy networking!

Rachel
www.senssoma.com