Do this to become confident and natural at networking (Even if you’re by yourself!)

Do you want to be able to network effortlessly?

Naturally keep conversations flowing?

Feel confident to go to a networking event solo?

Here are 5 tips that will help you skip the awkwardness and build relationships effortlessly at any networking event.

Tip 1: Know where to stand in the room

The best spot for you to position yourself is the bar.

People often go to the bar when they have no-one else to talk to, and are usually immediately seeking to mingle. So if you are standing solo near the bar, you won’t be alone for long.

Tip 2: Bring “humanness” into the interaction ASAP

Give the other person a compliment, make a joke, or say something mildly vulnerable early on. Any of these 3 moves will open up the relationship and reduce any walls that have been put up.

Tip 3: Be both interesting and interested

Conversations take two to tango. Firstly, you need to be interesting by having stories to share that keep the other person wanting more. At the same time, you need to be interested in the other person by asking questions, showing curiosity, and letting them talk about themselves. People love to talk about themselves, and this is an easy way to make them like you more.

I personally aim for a the 60/40 rule – Let the other person talk about themselves for 60% of the time, then step in and entertain them for the other 40% of the time by talking about yourself!

Tip 4: Don’t ask people the same old boring questions

Avoid these questions:

1. What do you do?
2. How are you?
3. What brought you here?

Instead, ask:

1. What personal passion project are you working on right now?
2. Working on anything exciting lately?
3. What was the highlight of your day today?
   

Tip 5: Follow up within 24 hours

If you want to stay forefront of mind, make sure you reach out with a message (Voice notes are best!) to continue your relationship within 24 hours of the event. Any longer, and people’s excitement from being in your presence fades, and they move on in their busy lives.

Now, you are ready to go off and mingle at any networking event, even if you are attending solo!

Did you enjoy this blog and want to keep learning more?

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For just $27, here’s your opportunity to stop doubting yourself and replaying conversations over in your head wishing you’d said something different. Instead, you can finally walk into any room knowing not just what to say, but how to say it to capture people’s attention and respect!

See you on the inside!

Trang Nova