So, does the mere prospect of a networking event or conferences cause you to start hyperventilating or perhaps just start a little more perspiring than normal?? Well that can be quite a common reaction. But really it’s not all that bad. It is not as hard as you think.
I know many people’s initial reaction (including my own, awhile ago) is – what am I supposed to talk about? What am I going to stay to these people? Maybe you are afraid it’s going to feel like a forced conversation. Or you will freeze up under the pressure of having to make a good impression. All common reactions! But never fear, like I said it’s not that bad. One of the best training classes/seminars I went to for work was about networking. And one of the interesting things the instructor told us was to remember people love talking about themselves, it is one of their favorite topics! And though I doubt you'd get anyone to readily admit it, it is pretty accurate! So as long as you can ask questions you can keep the conversation flowing. People just need a little push to get started! And you can facilitate that and then just sit back and listen attentively. At as pointed out the article Top 10 Myths About Networking good listening is actually a key to making a good impression when networking.
He then went on to tell us this funny little antidote about this car driving along with a big bright blinking license plate that said “Bob.” And the car drove past a cabin where an old man lived with his wife who was uuuuggly! And they lived there with their son and dog that was barking and howling at this plane where the man’s friend was flying while reading a book and the passenger was filming a movie. Well needless it say the story went on and on with many exaggerated details. The point was to give you a suggested road map of topics – the person’s name, family, hometown, recent books read, so on and so forth. The story was so utterly crazy so that would be able to remember it in a pressure situation and it would help you think of things to talk about without trying too hard. Asking these questions also gives you the opportunity to find a way to make a connection with the person. I also think it serves an added benefit because it is so ridiculous its sort of funny it makes you laugh and relax a bit when thinking of it.
Anyways the point is - networking is not as bad as people think. Being a good listener is just as important as talking, if not more so. Just come equipped with a few key questions and you are good to go.
Post MBA - what's changed
14 years ago
Maybe it should be called netlistening!? Your post brings up interesting points about networking. I agree that in order to be a successful "networker" you need to be able to listen well and then speak to different points. While I believe it's true that people like to talk about themselves, I think it is important to also practice talking about yourself. Sometimes to prepare for such events, I go through the current Wall Street issue and try to come up with ways to relate stories to my professional experiences--even if far fetched. I also have found that people like good stories, so if you can prep a few entertaining anecdotes about your current job or past experiences, you're likely to be remembered...in a good way.
ReplyDeleteThe hardest part of networking is coming off sincere. No one wants to be the superficial contact. Sincerity just has to be there and it is easily conveyed through proper listening and dialogue. Clamming up though is a poor way to be sincere so your point about asking key questions is the right thing to do. A particular method is to repeat the last sentence or point that someone said as a question. You will be amazed at how people will take that as a statement of added interest and expand upon it.
ReplyDeleteIn fact, try it with your significant other during a conversation and see just how little you will wind up talking.