Networking tips
Cultural differences - IĄŻve had many Chinese ask me about how to talk to a foreigner. Well we do have some differences, but best thing to remember is to treat people the way you like to be treated. You can always learn about how to act in awkward situations by asking people or by just observing others.
Clothing - Networking events are most often business attire, not really a good place for jeans or casual attire. When in doubt ask before. Most of the time it is ok to come from work directly in your work clothes, though 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 then, maybe leave your phone on vibrate, and when you get a phone call itĄŻs nice to excuse yourself and find a quite place to take your call. No one really likes to hear others talk on the phone and especially not if you have to talk loudly to hear be heard.
How to introduce yourself - Simple really - I always like to know: who you are, what you do, what you are looking for, maybe some info about how you know 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 thatĄ
What to talk about - Well you can talk about the typical small talk weather or sports perhaps, after the talk about what you do & where you are from. Maybe some knowledge about what your hobbies are, what city you are from, how you like the city you are in now. Try to ask questions and find out more about the person, look for things in common and maybe even offer some advice or help. 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. If you have nothing to talk about... then...
Keep networking - After talking with people and exchanging cards, you donĄŻt 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, then say Ą°IĄŻll keep networkingĄ± and move 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 is not a good impression to make on people. Walk up to the group and listen to what people are talking about and then when the conversation goes around itĄŻs your turn to tell people who you are and what you do or what or who you are hunting for.
How to find what you are hunting for - IĄŻve always had great luck at finding what I am looking for, you want to know how? By asking all my contacts and people I run into for their advice, if you ask enough people to help you find something you will be very surprised at the results. IĄŻm actually amazed at how others can say to themselves or others Ą°oh, they would not know anyone who...Ą±, If you decide for others who would know or not know something it will be your loss. Just ask! That is the beginning to any successful hunt.
Politeness - Say "please" and "thank you" never hurts, was what my mother always told me. IĄŻve never heard someone complain that a person was too polite.
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