theposhshopper.com

Today is Monday. Mondays are the kick-off to a long workweek for most people. Some of you drove to work with your motivation music pumping just thinking about all the great things you will accomplish this week at your career. The other 99% of us reluctantly poured our lifeless bodies into our four-door fuel efficient G-rides and dreaded the drive to our jobs. Comedian Chris Rock even says, when you have a career you love it, there isn’t enough time in the day to get everything done you want to do. When you have a job, all you got is time, time to think about how much time is left until you go home. So if you want to kick your current job to the curb and find a new career, here are some tips on how to get yourself noticed (for the right reasons) at the next networking event you attend.

I read The Art of Schmoozing article by Gloria Auth and it has some wonderful tips for those who want to get ahead. She reminds us that management is looking for those who posses excellent people skills and who can adapt to a variety of social settings and situations. Some of the following information is from her book Seven Seconds to Success. I’ll underline her points. The commentary and other info is from yours truly.

Entering a room full of strangers is not a favorite past time of most people. According to statistics, 40% of adults have social anxiety and 75% of all adults experience anxiety at a party with strangers (this obviously is softened at the holiday parties where many people get drunk and make an ass of themselves). So if you feel anxious when invited to an event, you’re not alone.

It is said a person has 7 seconds to make a first impression. Think of the last time you had to introduce yourself to someone. How do you think they took you? How do think they saw you and your potential as a friend, leader, or new employee. Look at yourself right now. Are you in the shape (sharply dressed, mentally and physically healthy) you want to be in when you meet influential people who can get you where you want to have a career?

 7 seconds isn’t long so make those seconds count. Here are ten tips to help you make a good first impression while “working a room” without working up a sweat.

1. Almost everyone watches the entrance to a room—use it to your advantage. Stand up straight, walk INTO the room, pause, scan the room with a slight smile and allow others to notice YOU.
2. Nom, nom, nom, nom, NO NO! Don’t rush for the buffet line immediately! Listen Snacky, no one wants to meet you if you are busy inhaling the cheese cubes and beanie weenies. Relax, the food will be there. Wait until you are settled in your area speaking with others and can sit while you eat.
3. Find the host of the event or the sponsor shortly after arriving to thank him or her and to make your presence known. Trust me, this goes a long way. All the other wallflowers aren’t doing this so strike and make an impression.
4. Approach someone standing alone or groups of 3 or more. Avoid two people since they may be deep in conversation and harder to approach. Small talk about the food, entertainment, or atmosphere at the event is always an easy ice-breaker.
5. Offer a firm handshake to say hello and good-bye. Women and men should stand for all introductions and when shaking hands. This shows respect for you and for the other person. Now ladies at a strictly social (NO work) event, I stick to the old school Ms. Manners style of staying seated if you are being introduced to someone who has approached the table. We are ladies and our fabulous dates are the ones who should stand up to make introductions. If you are not on a date you should still remain seated because the person will be approaching you. Same goes if you approach lady at a table, don’t expect her to stand.
6. If they make you wear a name tag (gag) wear it on the right hand shoulder so it is in the line of sight when shaking hands. If you are right handed this will be opposite what you want to naturally do. Remember when you have to “write” your name, use your “right” shoulder to show it off. Oops we have our nametag on wrong shoulder. LOL!

7. Don’t carry anything in your right hand. It should be free for handshaking. Holding your glass in your left hand also avoids a cold wet handshake. I suggest you lay off the alcoholic drinks. Even though you are at a business mixer doesn’t mean you need to tank up on mixed drinks.
8. Introduce yourself by saying, “Hello I’m John Wantsajob from McFunkie Bank.” The other person will then introduce themselves and their place of employment giving you an opening to move beyond just names.
9. This sounds elementary but so many adults don’t seem to remember these easy conversational tips of asking open-ended questions of “how,” “what,” or “why” rather than “do” or “are you” which may simply give you a “yes” or “no” response. Focus more on the other person than yourself. It really pays off in the long run because that person remembers you in a positive light. You don’t want to be a walking infomercial about yourself and your plight for better employment.
10. ACT AS IF!!!!! Socializing is supposed to be enjoyable. Act as if this is your event. You want to meet as many people as possible because you never know who may be in need of a jovial mover and shaker like yourself. Be positive! Don’t waste time at this event complaining about what’s wrong in your job. Use the time to work the room in an upbeat manner that will leave an impression on your contacts that will have you on their minds next time they have an opening.

I hope this fun facts help you at your next networking mixer. Remember that they are a great way to meet potential employers or people who know potential employers. Load up on business cards so you can easily give out your contact information. Another option is to create a “contact card” with your personal contact information instead of using your work business card. This helps avoid the unfortunate situation of someone calling your office and leaving a message that could raise eyebrows that you are on the job hunt. Enjoy your event and stay positive. We all want to find the right fit when it comes to our career. Acting in a positive and professional manner at a networking event is the first step to making the contacts you need to succeed.

Be sure to leave any suggestions you may have for other reading to put to work. Feel free to email noel@theposhshopper.com with any questions or blog suggestions. Have a fabulous week! Shoulders back, head up, chest out, and kick some butt at whatever it is you do! You might as well be the best at your job while you look for your career!