I swore off of organized networking last autumn. I had become tired of the repetitious industries, the somewhat banal small talk and –errr- well getting up at 5:30 am just to make a breakfast meeting.
Although I heart networking and meeting new people & going to those breakfast/lunch/after work/cocktail meetings and functions, I was feeling overwhelmed.
And as soon as I put organized networking on hold – I found new ways to meet amazing new people in everyday circumstances. Hey, let’s face it, in every business, you need to keep the pipeline full!
Here’s some things that I found attracted new people to me and vice versa:
1. Being open to work conversations at social engagements. Instead of shutting out shop-talk at dinner parties (etc) let the conversation flow.
2. When a friend/acquaintance asks, “How are you?” answer with something that will lead into a conversation, “I’m so excited! I just met the most amazing [insert the who/what here]. It looks like that [insert whatever you’re working on here] has really paid off!”
3. (A personal favourite here) The Elevator. In the last 3 months I have met 1 new client and a potential client in an elevator ride. Once, while in the midst of preparing for a client appreciation event, I invited 2 people in an elevator to the party. I even had gift cards with the event ticket electronically loaded on them to give.
4. (Brace yourself for what I’m going to say you busy working people everywhere!) Just smiling and making eye contact. Once you’ve mastered this – ask a question. And then listen and respond.
Ask, “How is your day going?” and let a conversation develop from there.
5. Join a social group - dance lessons, an organized sport, or even attending a strata meeting might just result in meeting a networking connection.
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