SolveYourProblem Article Series: Networking
How To Successfully Network Yourself

Taking Advantage of Meet and Greets

Meet and greet events are a great chance to do some valuable networking not matter what field you work in. At these events, you can get the inside scoop on what’s new in your field, make connections with other companies, and make contacts who may be able to help you reach your personal career goals more quickly. When one of these opportunities comes your way, make sure you’re ready to seize it!

To get the most out of a meet and great, first you should research the event. Who is hosting it, is it geared towards any particular facet of an industry, and who will be attending. Many people who host meet and greets do them on a regular basis, so ask around and see how successful the past events have been. If they don’t normally get a good turn out, then it may not be worth your time, but if your colleagues speak highly of their events, you should definitely give it a shot. Find out the dress code in advance and plan accordingly. You should also pay close attention to the agenda for the event. Some meet and greets have a formal speaker followed by opportunities for networking, while others are strictly networking events. Make sure you’re prompt and that you follow the agenda as it is laid out for you; don’t try striking up a conversation during a formal talk, even if everyone else looks as bored as you.

You should also do your homework before you get to the event. Analyze what you want to get out of the event and create a plan. Make sure you can speak knowledgably about your company, your job, and your field. Don’t try and bluff your way through; you’re almost certain to get caught out, and once you make that bad impression, it will be hard to erase it. If there is going to be someone else in attendance you know you want to meet, consider contacting them in advance to try and set up a time to meet at the event. It may sound counterintuitive, but the people who have the most success at meet and greet events are the people who have some portions of their conversations mapped out in advance. Plan a few topics you can use as small talk at the event, plus a few icebreakers. This will help you approach people and keep the conversation from drying up.

When you’re at the meet and greet, remember your goals and the goals of everyone else in the room. You are all there to make contacts that will lead to mutually beneficial relationships. Don’t monopolize any one person’s time, and don’t allow one person to latch on to your for the whole evening. Keep mixing and mingling to meet as many people as possible. Experts recommend keeping your conversation to around three minutes with each person. Swap business cards and save the in depth conversations for a more appropriate time.

Of course, after you attend a meet and greet, the next day, you have to cement those new contacts by following up. Even if you don’t plan to do business right away with new people you have met, drop them a line and thank them for their time. You never know when they might become just the contact you are looking for. Also, send a note of thanks to the host of the event. Your consideration will be remembered.

Most successful people will tell you they couldn’t have reached the level they are at without the helping hand of some person they met along the way. Meet and greets are your chance to the meet the person who is going to boost you to the top.

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SolveYourProblem.com : 2007

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