Posted Under: Business, Networking

1. Definitely start with a firm handshake coupled with a good eye contact… (make sure your hands are clean, not sweaty or dirty…may be a rub a little sanitizer before you walk in the event)

2. Don’t just shake hands or collect business cards from everyone… A couple good conversations are better than 20 business cards…

3. You can use some light ice-breaking jokes (but I would suggest not to because you never know how the person next to you feels about it or in what particular mood s/he is in) and if you really want to, I would suggest staying on the conservative side… Try something neutral, “I like your sweater”, “nice earrings”, “this color suits you” etc… Or try what I call “situational humor” (hard to explain because it goes with the sense of humor of an individual…it’s conversational humor without telling actual jokes…)

4. Don’t be totally serious either, that will signal people that you are not open to network or are a bit unreachable… Take it easy but don’t be the jokester in the room 🙂

5. Discussions, can be business or non business, let’s say you met a golf coach and you’ve never golfed before, ask him for the basics and ask him for some tips… if you’ve any interest in golf continue the conversation and tell him about your and interest, if not look for the signs where s/he pauses for your response and continue with, “well, I’m not that much of a golfer, my business is all about…” Keep your sales pitch ready but don’t start with the sales pitch… One thing I’ve found very effective is asking “so what are you looking forward to from this event?”

In short, remember 2 things:
1. Everyone loves stories (so, let them speak and they will reciprocate)
2. No one likes to be sold (so, don’t try to sell to hard, be there to make some solid business contacts)

Good luck!!