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.

In The News:


pen paper and inkwell


cat break through


The Secrets to Networking Success

Recently I was interviewed for a book on networking. My... Read More

Networking Know-how

Successful networking requires the understanding from the get-go that it... Read More

People Know People

I recently entered the keyword "networking" into Google. In 0.13... Read More

When Gifts Say More

What's a gift mean? If you're like me, you probably... Read More

Work that Room, Baby!

Networking, schmoozing, making connections. Call it what you want, it's... Read More

Networking

Put join a networking group on your to do list... Read More

Your Front End

While surfing for traffic or browsing your safelist emails, you... Read More

Giving the Gift of Your Name (The Networking Factor)

Although, this is about giving the gift of your name... Read More

Good Manners Mean Good Business

Good manners, good networking and good business all have the... Read More

Building Business Relationships in a Roomful of Strangers

You approach a stranger at an association meeting or industry... Read More

Talk Isnt Cheap

The most successful organizations have good communication skills. Survey after... Read More

Measuring Value for a Networking Group

How do you measure a group's worth to your organization?It... Read More

How to Organize a Successful Bad Sweater Party

"Hey Scott, would you like to go to a Bad... Read More

Keys to Successful Networking While In Transition

Let's be real. With other pressures of life upon us,... Read More

How To Make Your Next Networking Event A Success

There are people who are natural born networkers - those... Read More

How to Keep from Sounding LIKE Totally Stupid

June is reality check month. Lots of the resolutions have... Read More

Unforgettable First Impressions Part 2: Its All About Them!

Jean de la Bruyere said, "The great gift of conversation... Read More

The Foundation of Networking: Its Not Rocket Science

Commandment 1LoveWhen we choose to simply love, our giving and... Read More

How to Find Participants for a Trial Run

Why is a network meeting the best place to get... Read More

Social Networking: A Link To Like Minds

Not all dot-com dreams died when the Internet stock bubble... Read More

Creating Successful Alliances and Partnerships through Networking

Douglas Wilder, former Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and... Read More

How to be Known

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

Jump Start Your Network

Networking is often identified as a key business building activity... 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 4 Actions of Awesome Hospitality

These Actions of Awesome Hospitality? will help you manifest the... Read More

Building Bridges - The Importance of Being Connected Where You Live

As a Young Professional (YP) in the up-and-coming city of... Read More

A New LinkedIn Discussion Forum for High Power Dealmakers

For those of you interested in international business transactions or... Read More

Mobile Car Wash Companies; Trading Tips

If you run a mobile car washing firm we recommend... Read More

10 Steps to Successful Networking

"It's not what you know, it's who you know."This old... Read More

Lessons from the Wedding Mafia

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

How Well Do Your Customers Know You?

Know your customer, know your customer, know your customer. Three... Read More

Why Cant I Start A Conversation With You?

One out of every ten Americans has a fear of... Read More

Ask for Referrals: And Get the Answer You Want!

Why are people scared to ask for a referral? Is... Read More