Six Tips to Network Like a Pro
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As a businesswoman or entrepreneur, it’s part of your job to ‘get out there’ and network. Ever wondered how some women make it look so easy—and seem to effortlessly work a room? Well, many times, those women aren’t the most confident or outgoing in the world; they just know a few tricks for how to schmooze. The ability to charm everyone in the room can be learned. Here are the top 6 tips to mingle like a pro.
- Don’t drink too much. A couple drinks to “lubricate” the situation is okay. But whether it’s a professional or social event, you don’t want to completely let your guard down.
- Listen more than you talk. Studies show that when you ask people questions about themselves—rather than talk about yourself—they come away from the conversation with a more favorable impression of you!
- Gather your “social currency” beforehand. Nobody magically has interesting things to talk about. You need to read up on current events, watch popular movies and tv shows, go places and “bookmark” things that are compelling conversation starters.
- Break the ice. Yes, you can do it. Paying someone a compliment (“I love those shoes!”), commenting on the food or scenery, or asking the other person how he/she knows the host are easy ways to jump start the conversation.
- Stay on message—even if that means being silent. Don’t feel the need to fill up awkward silences with complaints or negative gobbledygook about your personal life or mean-spirited work gossip.
- Don’t be desperate. Be natural, and don’t hound someone for a job, contact, or favor. Establish rapport, get their contact info, and follow up later.
3 Comments
Silence is golden when in a work social situation, you are right. I hate this rule, but sometimes it is best to just listen. If anything, it will make the other person feel important.
Lydia, Clueless Crafter´s last blog ..What-if Fridays
Holiday Job Hunting: Fact & Fiction
The Quiz & Answers
Please indicate “Fact” or “Fiction” for each of the statements below.
1. There is less competition for jobs in December.
Fact. Competition for positions is greatly reduced because of the prevailing belief that employers don’t hire in December. Most of your competitors will not be looking for a job this month but look out in January! Many job seekers get offers they wouldn’t ordinarily get by looking in December.
2. There are only a few positions open in December.
Fiction. For most companies, next year’s budget is already approved. Hiring managers either want to start the year with full staff or have requisitions for positions that begin immediately after the New Year. The Bureau of Labor Statistics surveys show no pattern of a drop-off in permanent hires at year-end. In fact, most companies have the same number of openings at year-end as they do the rest of the year but they have fewer candidates. There may also be pressure to exhaust this year’s hiring budget.
3. January is the strongest hiring month of the year.
Fact. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, January is the strongest hiring month of the year. Remember, it’s the legwork done in November and December that puts job seekers in a better position to snag the first-of-the-year positions.
4. Hiring managers are too busy during the holidays to do interviews.
Fiction. Fewer business trips and daylong meetings take place in December making it easier to reach decision makers. Most managers have reached their goals and are at their desks planning for the New Year. Managers could also have tips of positions that will open after the first of the year.
5. Calls to potential employers are not welcome during the holidays.
Fiction. For most of the year, managers strive to screen the tide of job hunters coming their way. At year-end, however, that tide has thinned and hiring managers are in a more giving mood. The best time to call is first thing in the morning and late afternoon. By mid-day they are likely to be roaming the halls or taking longer lunch breaks.
6. Holiday parties are great places to get job leads.
Fact. Of course, you have to have your strategy well planned. Collect your holiday presents early by requesting job leads and referrals from your friends. Be company and department specific in your request naming your target company and the specific department. Get names, numbers, and permission to mention your contact’s name in the initial call. Appearing desperate is a downer for everybody. Engage in some relaxed conversation about job openings.
Make appointments with willing friends and acquaintances for coffee or other short social meetings to discuss your search. Have your 90-second commercial ready along with a 60 second description of your ideal job. (See the “Tools” handout for more information.)
7. Sending Holiday greeting cards is a waste of time.
Fiction. Use your holiday cards to update friends, associates, and family on your current status. An upbeat note in the card will start your phone ringing. Expanding your list of card recipients will put your name in front of more people, possibly some that you will see at holiday parties.
8. December is a good month to take time off from a job search.
Fiction. The prevailing concept is that companies don’t hire during the holidays. Fact: they do!! Taking yourself out of the game shrinks the pool of candidates and gives someone else the edge.
9. Traveling during the holidays stops a job search.
Fiction. Okay, it’s a trick question. If you are already interviewing with a prospective employer, taking a trip is a great reason to call the hiring manager with your contact information. Another possibility is that your travels may take you to one of your target locations. How about calling potential employers ahead of time to set up visits?
10. Taking a temporary holiday job is a bad idea.
Fact & Fiction. Taking a temp job to fill the dwindling coffers could be necessary. Selecting that job is important. Many retail jobs will end after the rush and you’ve taken yourself off of the market at a critical time. Temp jobs with companies that are on your hit list or if the work closely matches your preferences and skills could be a great idea. Companies are hiring “temp to perm” more often these days.
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