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Practical Guide to Networking for Business Leaders

Enterprise Team

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Some people break into a cold sweat at the thought of a networking event. While it may be their nature, to some it is due to lack of much professional networking experience. You may be part of this group of people but you do not have to worry. Go to events

This is the best way of challenging yourself. Face your fears and do it. As you go to more and more events, you will tend to get familiar with that kind of environment and hence begin to enjoy and know how to network. Make a concrete effort to attend these events even if it terrifies you, after all, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.

1. Research the attendees

Find out who is going. Prior to showing up, review the list of people and companies in attendance and know more about them. You could reach out to a few before the big day. Whether you send an email or connect via a social media site, getting the initial introduction out of the way will alleviate pressure from a face-to-face encounter.

Make an intentional decision to smile to everyone you come across. Smiling eases your tension and is a warm way to welcome someone to have a chat with you. Speak with whoever you make eye contact with. You already have their attention so use that moment to introduce yourself.

2. Remind yourself what you want to achieve.

Before networking events, try to remember why you’re going and what value you can offer potential clients or employers. Having this is mind, walk into the room with confidence and squash your nerves.

3. Take a friend with you.

Inviting a friend to go to an event with you is an automatic guarantee of moral support. Instead of walking into a room of completely strangers, you’ll have a companion who can help spark conversations and keep you at ease in case of awkward moments. If the event ends up being a total flow, at least you’ll be hanging out with someone you are familiar to.

4. Focus on others

It doesn’t have to be about you. Don’t wait until someone approaches you. Plan in your mind, since you know you have value to offer, get the nerve to walk up to someone and initiate the conversation. As you engage, focus over to them. Not only will you feel less pressure to keep the conversation moving, but your genuine interest will encourage them to keep talking.

5. Do not lose your new found acquaintance.

Begin by having general topics that interest both of you. Do not get personal. This could upset them or make them uncomfortable. Do not dominate your talk. Allow them to talk to and be keen on what they say. If they see that you initiated the conversation and are intrigued with what they have to say they’ll continue trying to sell you until you seem convinced. Keeping the focus on your new acquaintance forces them to lead the discussion, allowing you to chime in when necessary.

6. Attend more events and enjoy it.

Get the best out of the interactive sessions. Be you and make a conscious decision to enjoy the moments. Because those moments, you own them.

All The Best!

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