Networking is a vital skill for the modern professional to master, and we make it a central part of our Universal Events training program. These are just a few of the strategies we share with our team.
As the old saying goes, those who hesitate are lost. This applies as much to contacting as any other venture. If we see someone with whom we’d like to connect, we don’t wait for him or her to come to us; we make the first move.
Also, we focus exclusively on our conversation partners when we’re engaged with them. Our phones, other people in the room, the food – these are all distractions that can wait while we show respect for and interest in the person to whom we’re speaking.
To make our motivation for listening authentic, we ask meaningful questions that truly interest us. A Universal Events caveat – don’t get too personal, and steer clear of emotionally charged topics like religion or politics. Questions about local restaurants, vacation destinations, or interesting books can lead to lively conversations that give us a good idea of the person we’re meeting.
Finally, we always set ourselves up for a future meeting by following up with the person we just met. We exchange contact information, find out what communication tools they’re most comfortable using, then reach out to them within the next day or two and begin the process of solidifying our newfound relationship.
Knowing how to network effectively makes the whole process more enjoyable
