Clara's Tips for Networking Mixers
Hey ladies
I hope you are planning to join us at our third annual W.I.T.H. networking mixer Wednesday, September 25, 2019 4:30-7:30 pm on the terrace at the Hilton San Diego Gaslamp. If you haven’t done it already just use this link to register.
I am excited about the possibilities for networking at the event and I am preparing just like you do. Here’s how I “do” a mixer - before, during and after.
Before the Mixer
1. I get my attitude right. Since the mixer is scheduled at the end of my workday, I fully charge my “batteries” the day before. I am an extrovert which means I usually get energized when surrounded by people and activity. But, before an event, I’m more like an introvert. I need some alone time to reset and “de-stress”. (My Tip 😊 Studies show that stress and lack of sleep are the main things that effect the quality and length of your life. ) So, I’m going to fuel up the day before the mixer by eating nutritious foods, taking a walk, and getting a good night sleep. Walking has a proven track-record for making me feel energized. How about you? How do you energize and get in touch with yourself? Do you choose physical movement? Solo time reading, binging your favorite tv show, or taking a relaxing bath? An earlier bedtime? Or something else? Tell us at the mixer. We want to know your tip for being fully charged.
2. I “plan my play”.
a. I set my goals for the Mixer: “Why I am going” and “What I want to achieve”
I know MY goals for this mixer, but I want to hear from you. What are your goals? Are you coming to the mixer to meet new people; reconnect with friends; make a new business or job lead? What do you want to learn? What do you want people to remember about you? What do you uniquely have to share?
(My tip 😊 Don’t be too ambitious. Set a goal to make 2-3 new “friends”. Focus on what's unique about you, your situation and your goal for the event, as well as one thing you value that you can add to others and their situation.)
b. I get in touch with how I feel. Am I feeling confident? Do I have a positive attitude? I can answer “YES” after I take three steps to get ready:
Step One, I choose to dress to impress in something that makes me feel good. And, I decide what to wear while singing the chorus to my “theme song” What is your theme song - that song you hum or play when you are preparing to go out? Is it Foxy Lady Jimi Hendrix), Feeling Good ( Pussycat Dolls), I can See Clearly Now (Johnny Nash) , or maybe She’s a Bad Mam-a Jam-a (Carl Carlton) ? I’ll tell you mine if you tell me yours. Be prepared to share the title and/or lyrics to “your theme song” with us at the mixer. (Psst: 😊 if your theme song is Started From The Bottom (Drake) we only need the title or the chorus to the “clean” version ( LOL) .
Step Two, I prepare to share with people the things I want them to know about me, my background, and my work
( My Tip 😊 Bring your business cards. Practice your “elevator speech” so you can tell who you are and what you do in 2-3 sentences. )
Step Three, I do my homework. I learn about the event and the types of people who will be there. I prepare a few icebreakers - Sure fire conversation starters that have a way of making the other person pause, raise her eyebrows, and pay attention. Such as “I really like your _____ “ or “What do you think of tonight’s “WITH-TINI signature drink?” ( 😊 ) or “I’m gonna have to rethink the shoes I wear to these events”.
(My Tip 😊 Be sure to match the question to the person you are addressing).
At the Mixer It’s game time and ! I “play my plan”!
a. I plan to arrive early and leave early. Of course, this plan might change depending on what’s happening. I might stay later if I’ve made a connection. I try not to leave too quickly. Instead, I set a limit of 30–45 minutes to get a feel for the room, find out who is in it, pick up a snack or a drink and try starting a few conversations.
( My Tip 😊 Its easier to find someone to chat with when its early and the room is not crowded. On the other hand, you can talk more when its late and the room is more relaxed).
( My Tip 😊 Moderation is key in everything.)
b. I get a feel for the room. I position myself close to a popular spot, take a deep breath, and spend a few minutes observing the people around me. I look for solo professionals who are open to conversation.
(My Tip 😊 One on one conversations are where real connections are formed but also be on the lookout for small groups that have some fluidity to them. - Groups where people naturally step in and out of conversation.).
c. I find out who is on the terrace. I stack the deck in my favor by asking for introductions. I ask the organizers or people I know who they think I should meet. Sometimes I ask if they would mind making an introduction. Sometimes I volunteer for an assigned job that gives me a reason and permission to talk with people and gives me ways to smoothly enter and leave conversations.
( My Tip 😊 Move around the terrace. You need to “work the terrace” in order to be successful – so move).
d. I find my target (either get introduced or introduce myself) and I play my play.
I play to my strengths
( My Tip 😊 When you start conversations, your smile, your authentic self, your curiosity, and your helpful attitude will go a long way toward a positive first impression. If you are an extrovert, you can help people relax. If you are an introvert you are naturally a good listener. )
I make a connection.
( My Tip 😊 I make sure to use their name a couple of times, so I remember it)I ask open ended questions. to find out things about them.
o I usually start with questions about their background. Easy stuff like “Where are you from” or “What do you think of this location, temperature weather etc.” or “what do you do when you are not working”.
o Then I move on to questions to help me learn what we have in common. I ask about their work (What do you do? How do you like your work? What projects are you working on right now? What do you want to learn next?)
I listen.
( My Tip 😊 LISTEN ! The more interested you are in others, the more interesting you become.)
I make a comment that shows I was listening. I might acknowledge a key point or ask a question. I share who I am and what I want them to remember about me. Sometimes I briefly mention my hobbies, interests and what excites me. (FYI for me its family, reading, music, gardening, volunteering, dancing, and traveling.). I also share what new skills I want learn or the new achievement I’m training for.
(My Tip 😊 Remember your goal is to share yourself - not sell yourself. Actually, the key to being remembered is speaking only when you have something to say! )
I move. I don't spend the entire time talking to one person or group. It's OK to politely move on from a conversation because everyone is probably there to talk to more than one person.
( My Tip 😊 Did I say it’s important to move? Exchange business cards, agree to continue that conversation later, and move on ).
After the Mixer: I view my game film
a. I analyze my performance. I think about what I did that worked and what I did that didn't work, and then compare my goals for the event to the number of solid connections I made. I think about what I learned at the event to help me grow and improve my performance at the next opportunity. I like to “pat myself on the back” when I consider how I challenged myself to be better, how I stepped outside of my box and how I did something for someone else.
b. I follow up. I make a personal follow up phone call within the next 24-48 hours to the new person I had the strongest connection with and I plan to talk for no more than five to 10 minutes. I express enjoyment at our conversation, mention something we talked about that interested me or something we have in common that I learned from the conversation or something that I can do for them. Sometimes I even ask for follow up meeting and I always express appreciation for their time.
I feel so good about creating this networking opportunity for us. My experience at networking events and the effort I've put into improving my networking skills through the years have been invaluable in helping me advance in my career. I believe this networking advice can help you take that next step as well. Try it and let me know.
If you want to learn more about the advantages and skills of networking here are some links you can try:
5 ways to start a conversation at a networking event
Brilliant networking conversation starters
tips on how to succeed at networking events
what is business networking and what are the benefits
See you on the 25th on the Terrace.
Clara