Cultural differences - I¡¯ve had many Chinese ask me about how to talk to a foreigner. While cultural differences exist, it is important to remember to always treat people the way you like to be treated. If you¡¯re not sure how to act in a new situation you can always ask someone else for advice or observe what others do.
Clothing - The dress code for networking events is most often business attire, not really a good place for jeans or casual clothes. When in doubt ask before an event. Most of the time it is ok to come from work in your work clothes. However, depending on your job you might want to go home and change or better yet, take some extra clothes to work and change on the way.
Phone Calls - If you are expecting an important phone call it¡¯s best to leave your phone on vibrate. When you get a phone call it¡¯s nice to excuse yourself and find a quite place to take your call. No one really likes to hear others talk on the phone, especially if you are speaking very loudly.
How to introduce yourself - Simple really - I always like to know: who you are, what you do, what you are looking for, how you learned about the event, who invited you, how it compares to other events. When you run out of things to say then you can just think of what you want to know and ask about that¡
What to talk about - Well, you can start with typical small talk like the weather or sports. You could also discuss your hobbies, your hometown, or your home country. Try to ask questions that will help you find out more about the person you are talking to. If you find you have things in common, you can offer some advice or help about your mutual interest. For example, if you both discover you like wine, then talk about where to go for the best deals. If you both like traveling, then talk about your favorite place to visit. If you have nothing to talk about... then...
Keep networking - After talking with people and exchanging cards, it¡¯s ok to move on and talk to new people. You don¡¯t have to talk to the same people all night. You are here to network and meet people. So when you have a slow spot in the conversation and want to meet more people, you can simply say ¡°I¡¯ll keep networking¡± and move on to other people.
How to join others - If other people are talking, then do not interrupt them (unless the room is on fire) by thrusting your card into their face, this does not make a good first impression. Walk up to the group and politely listen to what people are talking about. When the conversation goes around and it¡¯s your turn you can tell people who you are, what you do, and what or who you are hunting for.
How to find what you are hunting for - I¡¯ve always had great luck at finding what I am looking for. You want to know why? Because I ask all my contacts and people I run into for advice. If you ask enough people to help you find something you will be very surprised at the results. I¡¯m actually amazed at how others can say to themselves or others ¡°oh, they would not know anyone who...¡±, If you decide for others who or what they know you¡¯ll miss out on finding out the information you need. Just ask! That is the beginning to any successful hunt.
Politeness - Saying "please" and "thank you" never hurts, was what my mother always told me. I¡¯ve never heard someone complain that a person was too polite. As the saying goes, ¡°It¡¯s nice to be nice, give it a try.¡±
