We all know people who can easily walk into a room full of people and operate the space without a problem. Not you? How come? You say you’re uncomfortable. It’s not really a skill, just like any other skill it takes time to acquire and it looks as natural as it can be when it becomes ‘2nd nature.’ But that wasn’t how those ‘natural networkers’ were born. So what’s that calling for?
Over time, I have discovered that business is gained, not because of a quote or suggestion or a gaudy presentation, but because people have become comfortable with the business person, have learned to believe them and then trust them.
They position themselves in social networking places to meet people who may need what they do at one time.
The hardest part is getting people to contact strangers out of their comfort zone. Once you acknowledge that the objective is to meet people who may have a problem that can be solved by your professional services, you can focus on just ‘meeting people.’ The event isn’t to get a client or buyer today.
Get ready to say something to everyone you meet. For example, “Hi, I’m __________, I see your name is ___________(everybody has a nametag on). I love to find out what individuals do, so what do you do? I might know somebody who has a demand for your services.”
People love to discuss what they do, and now the pressure is off of you, till they ask you “What do you do?” Simply tell them. Now in a conversation, you’re intermeshed.
Spending the entire evening with one person does not necessarily take advantage of your moment. Give each individual a time limit of 5-10 minutes. Then say, ‘Pardon me, I see someone I haven’t seen in a long time.’ Gather up their business card before you walk over to someone who isn’t mixed up in a conversation and start over again. ‘Hi, I’m _________.’ That person is as uncomfortable as you and you can help him.
At the end of the evening count how many new people you met and picked up business cards. Continue with a brief email through the next day telling them how good it was to meet them and hear what they are doing.