Networking Event === ###### tags: `Human Language` ## Disciplines 1. Redefine your networking philosophy * you are networking every single day. 2. Make it easy for people to speak to you. * Wear iconic T-shirt to make others walk up to you during conference. 3. You got to play a matchmaker. --- ## How to approach people? * Single Person 1. Start the conversation with the person well before the event. 2. Loner is much easier to approach with a compliment. 3. Linger at kitty corner of the exit of the bar, the food, the registration counter, and the restroom with a smile. * A Group 1. Choose the group * Don't go to the loudest group. * People stand at slight angle is easier to be interrupted than stand face-to-face. * A group will never be more than 4 people. * If there is, just bring one to join the group with an explanation, then the group will split to be less than 4. * Stand aside, wait the pause, and **say something** or exit with a smile if it is not interesting. 2. Say something * Offer your opinion and introduce yourself. * Directly say "Hi I am XXX, I don't know anybody here. Can I join you?" --- ## Quick start for 15 min 1. My name is XXX. What's your name? 2. What do you do between five and nine to keep busy? 3. Wow! That's fascinating! How did you get into that? 4. That's a really good story. I appreciate you telling me that. How's business going for you these days? 5. If there were one thing about your business you could change, what would that be? 6. Would you like some help with that? --- ## Conversation 1. Start a Conversation * Traffic and place people come from. * Open-ended question. * Establish mental cue youself by finding something in common. * Focus on the speech content or intention behind the event. * That was a really great speech! It sounds like you have some pretty impressive experience. I had no idea that... / Especially the part about... * I really enjoyed your speech, and I think you made some really good points about where the tech industry is headed. What led you to work in that field? * I looked into your firm a little bit. I’ve heard some great things. What do you like the most about the job? * Ask what they really want? * What bring you here? * What do you hope to get out of this? * What cool stuff are you working on? * If you were to start a business, what would it be? 2. Interrupt a Conversation * Find a sentence or topic to use as your opening, and share sth about yourself. (Execuse me...) * Sorry to interrupt here, but I'd like to say/add/mention something. * Before you move on, I'd like to say something. * Involve people in the conversation that haven't had a chance to get involved. 3. Deal with an Interruption * Is there something you'd like to say/add? * Let me finish what I was saying. * I'm almost finished my point. 4. End a Conversation * Thanks for taking the time to chat with me, it was great to meet you. * I'll look forward to hearing from you if that's relevant. * I'm really looking forward to your next blog post. * Here's my card. / Do you have a card? Let's stay in touch. * (Pull the phone) I'll add you on LinkedIn. * (Stand apart) I want to make sure I meet a few more people here. It's been so great getting to know you and enjoy the rest of the event. * Let’s keep in touch! Do you mind if I contact you in the future? And feel free to let me know if there’s any expertise I can offer. * I know you are interested in entering the Mexican market. I lived in Mexico and speak some Spanish, so maybe some of my experiences may be of interest to you as well.