Networking Series Part III: Juggling Plates & Small Talk

Missed yesterday’s Networking Series Part II: Juggling Plates and Small Talk? We learned a lot of great tips on how to network effectively at networking events. Check out these tips from Karen Litzinger. The tips will be especially helpful if you are going on the DC Trip over spring break.

Power Mingling:  Network with Ease and Effectiveness

 Attitude

• Relationship building, listening, information sharing
• Not schoozing or asking directly for a job or internship
• Warch not to only talk to people you already know
  

First Impressions Count

• Albert Mehrabian study about the impact of communication shows 7% Words, 38% Tone, 55% Non-Verbal Behavior
• Tone: Have good energy in your voice and project, not monotone
• Nonverbals: Good posture, eye contact, smile, appropriate handshake, nod

Exhibit Host Behaviors

• Start conversations
• Introduce people to each other; introduce yourself to someone alone
• Invite people to food and beverages

The Art of Small Talk

• Establishes rapport, helps people feel comfortable
• Positive and upbeat, not negative or complaining
• Includes: current events, sports, music, business, city, weather
• Avoid: health, gossip, religion, money, politics, misfortunes
• Watch not to interrupt; paraphrase and ask follow-up questions
• Read the newspaper before the event for news of the day

Opening Lines

• Upbeat observation: It’s nice to see so many at this event
• Open-ended question” What did you think of the program?
• Pleasant self-revelation: This is one of my favorite foods.
• Other-focused question: What is new at XYZ agency?
  

Networking Questions:

• Do you know anyone in XYZ career field I am considering so I can talk to them about their career?
• What strategy advice can you give for getting an internship or job?
• How did you get your first job?
• Do you have any suggestions for electives of extracurricular activities that could help a candidate have an edge?

ABC’s of Introductions

• Authority: Introduce the more important person to the less so
• Business-like: Use complete sentences
• Clarify: Give some background information if possible
• Example: Mr. Alumnus, I’d like to introduce you to Sue Student, a junior in psychology. Sue, Mr. Alumnus is Director of Marketing at ABC Company.
• Start with name of most important person. A customer or visitor is always considered the most important person. Rehearse in your mind.
• If in doubt, don’t use first names, rather Mr. or Ms.
• Shake hands and repeat name to help you remember

Self-Introductions

• Initiate when arriving and if someone forgets to make an introduction
• “Hi, I’m Sue Student, from XYZ University. I don’t believe we’ve met yet.”

Eating Etiquette

• The focus should be on relationships not the food
• Always keep your right hand free to be approachable and for handshakes
• Keep both your plate and drink in your left hand or alternate eating and drinking separately.
• Choose easy to eat foods and takes small bites after you have finished talking to avoid being caught with your mouthful.

Moving In

• Best to approach groups of three of more
• Position self nearby and participate nonverbally with eye contact and nod until invited in or a pause in which feel comfortable to make a comment, not immediately after someone just finished talking.

30 Second Commercial/Elevator Speech

• Brief background about yourself after small talk, usually after someone asks you a question.
• Include your major or what you are considering, relevant work or activities.
• It can be helpful to end with a question, such as asking about the other party or asking for insightful or advice.