10 Tips to Feel More Confident Networking
Christmas is upon us once again, and it's a great time to use the
season's parties and get-togethers, whether business or social, to
network.
"While Christmas parties may not be as extravagant this year, any event
is an opportunity to make contacts and further your career," said expert
networker and renowned 'Charisma Coach' Olivia Fox Cabane. "Networking
is more than just who you know; it's a process you can master."
"Many of us have an inherent fear of networking. We have been taught
growing up not to talk to strangers, and to wait to be properly
introduced before making contact. As adults, many of us are still
waiting."
In the spirit of giving Ms Fox Cabane offers 10 tips that will make you
feel more confident when networking at any event this Christmas season:
1.Find out everything you can about those who will be attending: Where
are they from? What do they do? What are their interests? This is what
you can talk to them about.
2.Wear something that people can talk about; anything that will draw
attention and inspire people to approach you. What do you have that
would be a good conversation starter?
3.Read a couple of mainstream newspapers just before the event so that
you can use the headlines as icebreakers. The more conversation fuel you
have, the easier it will be to get a conversation going.
4.Get there early: This gives you the opportunity to warm up slowly as
the other guests gradually arrive.
5.Remember in detail the accomplishment you're most proud of just before
entering the room. The memory will flood your system with endorphins,
which is an instant confidence booster.
6.Breathe! When feeling self-conscious, people often draw short, shallow
breaths. Instead, focus on taking deep breaths, which have an instant
calming and grounding effect.
7.Pretend that you're the host of the party: it boosts your
self-confidence because it makes the event your event. Better yet,
volunteer to be on the greeting committee if you can.
8.Position yourself around the buffet: it makes for easy conversations,
and when people eat, their endorphin levels rise, which puts them in a
better mood, increasing the chance that they'll like you better.
9.Approach people standing alone: they're probably feeling awkward and
lonely and will be grateful to you for saving them from anonymity.
10.Compliment them on something they're wearing, and then ask an
open-ended question about it. It's one of the most effective icebreakers
around.
About Olivia Fox Cabane
Olivia Fox Cabane, or "The Charisma Coach," has lectured on the topic at Harvard, Yale, MIT and the United Nations.
A former legal counsel, Olivia has worked with one of the world's largest law firms as well as a Fortune 500 company.
Her education includes three Master's degrees in French, German and European Business Law. Olivia has both French and American nationalities; has lived and worked in 7 countries, and is fluent in 41/2 languages (her Mandarin stinks.)
Visit: www.askolivia.com
