A DOZEN RULES FOR NETWORKING

By Marguerita Dolatly (9/12/18)

1. Cardinal Rule: Nobody is staring at you! And everybody is nervous!

2. Be picky and early.

  • Pick your environments carefully.

  • Arrive early to the event; this will help you get comfortable.

3. Center/Ground Yourself before.

  • Why am I going to this event? What would I like to accomplish?

  • What type of experience do I want to have? (emotional energy/outcomes)

  • What do I have to offer? How can I serve people?

4. Be creative.

  • Set goals for the event. e.g., To have deep conversations with 3 people; to meet someone in a certain industry; to talk with the speaker; to re-connect with colleagues.

  • Seek like-minded souls (not necessarily same as you, just relatable/interesting).

  • Try new things, new opening lines, new elevator pitch.

  • Tell stories that reveal things about yourself that you want people to know.

5. Be yourself.

  • Goofy, strong, music fan, sports nut, etc. — Come as your full person.

  • But the best version of yourself!

  • This can include vulnerability. (Vulnerability connects people.)

6. Be curious.

  • Listen more than you speak.

  • Listen to understand and not to prepare your next comment.

  • Listening is a gift you give to someone, especially in today’s world.

  • Healing power of listening/being listened to and being seen. Eye contact is key.

  • Added benefit is learning about people who could become your clients (hear their challenges, pain points, emotions, world-view, things at work and in their lives).

  • Smile, Laugh, Banter. Never argue.

7. Think: Connection, not Transaction.

8. Be smart.

  • Pick your spots in the room; consider groups of 2-3-5.

  • Look for openings in conversations.

  • Look for people with name tags (who run the group or sub-committees) who can introduce you to fellow attendees.

  • Make introductions.

9. Be patient.

  • Remember: Long game, not instant gratification.

  • It’s likely you will not walk out with business/a job. Embrace that.

10. Be respectfully persistent.

  • Follow up as appropriate.

  • Exchange business cards; keep notes on what you learned and/or talked about.

  • Offer an idea, introduction, article or tip afterward based on your conversation.

  • Suggest coffee meeting for significant contacts.

11. Be brave.

  • 30 seconds of courage can lead to your next job offer, client, business opportunity, friend, or relationship.

12. Your Mantra: “You Never Know. So, try.”