Networking: Breaking into the Buzz

Breaking into conversational groups is one of the things people ask me about when I'm conducting networking sessions. There's a buzz that hovers over a crowded room that comes from all those people conversing. You need to break into that buzz to be a great networker.

Let's face it, looking at a room full of people you don't know can be intimidating. At first glance, it appears everyone knows everyone else - except you! The first thing you need to remember is that this is not true. The only difference between you and all those others is that they have been in the room five minutes longer than you have. They have had an opportunity to begin a conversation with at least one person, so they appear at ease. All you have to do is find one person to speak with, and you will be just as at home.

Ah, but that's the problem. How do you break into the buzz? Here are a couple of ideas.

First, find the refreshment table or the bar, depending on the time of day the event is being held. Now you are going to make your way over there, but don't make a mad dash with your eye firmly locked on the coffee pot. Instead, walk over in a leisurely way, looking over the people as you go. You may notice someone you know, or someone you have been wanting to meet. If you note where they are standing, you can move in that direction once you have your coffee.

A common mistake of neophyte networkers is to concentrate on picking up food and drink, ignoring the other networkers in the line. Don't do that, as they represent your first opportunity to make a connection. You can make casual conversation about the food, or even just introduce yourself. In either case, by the time you both reach the end of the line you will have someone to converse with as you move off into the room.

When you find yourself alone in a crowded room, practise the art of "hovering". Move towards a small group of people who are having a conversation, but rather than push right into the group, "hover" a yard or so outside the circle. Someone will invariably notice you and invite you in. If someone happens to be speaking at the time, say something like, "Don't let me interrupt your story - it's interesting." When they finish, that's the time to introduce yourself to the rest of the group.

If you use these ideas, you'll find it's not so hard to become part of that happy, noisy crowd.

Helen Wilkie is a professional keynote speaker, workshop leader and author specializing in applied communication, including networking. Her popular "Sowing and Growing Your Network" is a lively, fun session with many more tips, techniques and exercises for active networking, both at the event and after. If you'd like to bring that talk to your conference, give her a call at 416-966-5023. If you'd just like more networking tips for yourself, including Helen's foolproof method for entering the room with confidence, check out http://www.mhwcom.com/pages/ valuefromnetworking.html While you're on the site, sign up for "Communi-keys", Helen's free monthly e-zine full of useful communication tips and techniques.

---

Sticky Situations: Nametag Best Practices

Because a person's name is the single context of human... Read More

62 Ways to MAXIMIZE Your Approachability

If you walk into your local bookstore and pick up... Read More

Unforgettable First Impressions Part 4: Become a Social Gift Giver

Do you ever wonder why single people give flowers, wine,... Read More

Social Network Software

My neighbor ? a lovely man I've known, and have... Read More

Networking: Breaking into the Buzz

Breaking into conversational groups is one of the things people... Read More

How to Get Ahead in Your Career

Bigger Better Deal. That's what everyone always hopes will come... Read More

Discover Your Own Source Of Business Leads

Generating new business leads is critical in your success, no... Read More

Where Does That Word Come From?

"Instead of a handshake, I gave Toby a high-five to... Read More

Lessons from the Wedding Mafia

One of my clients shared a story with me from... Read More

Networking Skills: Arguing in Context

If you're fond of a good debate, you know how... Read More

Effective Business Networking: 5 Tips For Mastering The Art of Networking

The heart of any business is the connection it has... Read More

Client Attraction Technique #2: Networking

One of the most cost effective ways of generating leads... Read More

Community Involvement Networking

It is important for you to join at least one... Read More

How NOT to Waste Your Time Networking

Ever wonder if networking, referral groups, and conferences are a... Read More

How to be Known

Why business relationships are formed with certain people?If you go... Read More

Is The Company You Keep Hurting Your Business?

When you look at your friends, it's like looking into... Read More

5 Ways to Wow People Who Wear Nametags

People wear nametags more often than you think. The majority... Read More

How to Make the Most of Those First 30 Seconds

Did you just meet the most important person in your... Read More

How to Avoid Falling Asleep Behind the Conversational Wheel

Think about the last time you feel asleep behind the... Read More

Small File Box With Resumes to Help Customers

I bet you have not thought about it much, but... Read More

Unforgettable First Impressions Part 1: Discover the CPI

People like others whom they are like. So if you... Read More

How to Shmooze

Definition: talk idly or casually in a friendly way Value:... Read More

Hey, Whos the New Guy? How to Make Guests and First Timers Feel Welcome

The New Guy is a person we all know. And... Read More

The Quest for Passive Income

Passive Income, residuals, royalties three ways to get paid multiple... Read More

The Promotion Factor: Seven Strategies to Promote Yourself and Your Business by Playing Golf

Effective business promotion is more powerful than advertising. Using golf... Read More

Are You Really Listening: The Importance of Strong Communication Skills

Let's face it, when most people think of IT professionals,... Read More

Examination of Discovery - Finding the Right Networking Group

Why would I pick this group over another group?How many... Read More

Where to Find a Cash Windfall of $10,000 - $1,000,000 - You Never Knew You Had

There is a rather famous true story called "Acres of... Read More

The 7 Habits of Highly Horrible Networkers

Networking is a term that didn't exist (academically) until almost... Read More

Hows Your Net Working?

In recent weeks, I've had the opportunity to pass along... Read More

The A-B-Cs of Networking

In the workplace - and when dealing with workplace matters... Read More

Five Best Ways To Build A Network

I have been working from home on the internet for... Read More

10 Terrific Tips to Talk Your Way to the Top

What is "the top" anyway? According to society, "top" has... Read More