So, part of what we do at Candice Avery Image Consulting is help people not only with their outer appearance but their overall “image”. One way that we do that is by providing advice on navigating social situations—interviews, conferences, etc. As a stylist and entrepreneur, I attend lots of networking events around the city—mixers, meet and greets, boss bae brunches, the list goes on and on. Now, I won’t necessarily label myself an introvert—I just find it easier to connect on a 1-1 basis versus in a huge crowd. In order to do what I have to do to grow my business I live by a handful of tips that have helped me become successful when networking without a wingman (or woman).
Arrive early—if you arrive early it gives you a chance to find people to connect with before people start clicking up into larger groups. It also provides the opportunity to scope out the venue and locate a “safe place” to go to recharge throughout the event.
Work on your elevator speech so that it is short and succinct but provides enough information about you or your business to pique people’s interests.
Learn about the hosts/speakers ahead of time and find something you admire or something that connects you. Really define why you are at the event in the first place. This is the perfect way to break the ice and introduce yourself to the hosts. This is also a great time to utilize that elevator speech.
Plan your icebreakers ahead of the event. You don’t want to be stuck trying to figure out how to approach the one person you came to the event to connect with.
Put your phone away. It is so easy to allow our devices to be welcome distractions from our surroundings. When networking, put away your phone and be present as much as possible. Of course, if you’re actively connecting with someone on social, capturing media for content, or exchanging numbers, the phone is ok but otherwise be in the moment!
Smile—you won’t believe how many people may find you intimidating and will let their guards down when you smile and spark some conversation. A nice warm smile could be all someone is waiting for as an invitation to talk.
Use your attire to spark conversation. Wear clothes or an accessory that is attention catching and a potential conversation starter. I think this one is self-explanatory. If you are wearing something eye-catching, it’s a simple conversation starter.
Connect with other introverts. Find something about them that you want to compliment to break the ice and proceed from there. You can usually start a conversation about how you’d both be much more comfortable elsewhere.
Use your listening skills to find a place to jump into the conversation. There will always be someone at an event with a commonality with you—use this (and your double-dutch skills) to your advantage and get in there!
Embrace the awkwardness and make sure that you are taking time to recharge. We touched on this one earlier but utilize that “charging station” to rebuild your confidence and just relax. Don’t get too down on yourself when you don’t say what you think is the exact right thing to when networking. Our awkwardness is what makes us unique.
Another thing that I like to do at events is to connect with people that I meet right away on social media—I can’t count the number of times that I’ve looked at my pile of business cards after an event and have no memory of who I got them from. Also, taking a selfie and posting on social is a good way to build content and tag your new friend!
Be sure to download the free quick tip sheet for networking and check out our style subscription program while you’re here. Happy networking!