Would You Want to Meet “YOU” at a Networking Event?

As they say, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” Before you show up at the next event where you will have an opportunity to network, ask yourself this question: “Would you want to meet YOU?”

We all know that constant exposure to new people is one of the best, and often quickest, ways to expand your network and your business. But as you probably have already discovered, just showing up at an event is clearly not enough.

As I was deciding what to share this month, I reflected on the fact that, as business people, we spend an inordinate amount of time doing the research to locate, attend, and participate in the “perfect” right group that we think will open endless doors of opportunity for us. What strikes me every time I attend events, though, is that most people gladly do all that upfront work to find an event, and even have the best of intentions to make that really important, good first impression, but in the end, many still wildly miss the mark.

Here’s what happens at most networking events. See if you can relate:

First, people mill about the room. But what are most people looking for? They are looking for an easy “target.” What’s an easy target? Someone they already know; in other words, a “safe” person who they’ve talked to a million times before. But let’s say you don’t know anybody in the room, or even better, you really want to extend yourself and start meeting some new folks so you really can expand your network. What happens then?

Here’s the typical scenario:

1. You mill about the room and spot another person who is not talking to a “safe” person
2. You make initial eye contact with one another
3. One of you gives the other person a weak little smile
4. Then one of you diverts your eyes and pretends you need to go elsewhere to attend to some other important matter
5. You move on or you engage in a brief, but meaningless, exchange, and then move on.

What’s really going on here?

The minute you notice another person, now matter how you cut it, you are sizing each other up. Your mannerisms, clothing, jewelry, hair, and facial expressions – let alone the words that come out of your mouth when asked that all-important question, “So, what do YOU do?” – all add up when it comes to making a great impression.

Once you’ve missed the mark, it is almost impossible to regain your ROI, as that first impression is hard to regain once it is cemented in the memory of a new contact. So what does it take to get beyond that icky uncomfortableness when you should be acting more like Barack or Hillary on the campaign trail?

The key is to find the right resources to get your networking mojo on track! While you will most likely find great resources available in every community, one of my favorite resources in the Bay Area is a quarterly magazine called, “Women’s Connection,” published by Donna Fisher. Donna has been a driving force in the networking arena in the Bay Area since her magazine was first published in 1995. As I opened the Spring issue, I found so much help making a great, and I mean, GREAT first impression!

For example:

1. For getting that million dollar look, you could see Corinne Phipps, a personal stylist. www.urbandarling.com
2. To get your body to look more like a lean, mean, networking machine, you could turn to KBFitness, www.KBFitness.biz
3. For your makeup and facial needs, you could contact Beth McCullough, an Independent Beauty Consultant, www.marykay.com/emccullough
4. For your finishing touches and some really cool pampering, scamper off to Ayoma LifeSpa, www.ayomalifespa.com
5. To polish your personal and business first impression, contact Karen Mathews and Associates, whose services I have used and highly recommend, www.karenmathews.com.

Whatever your community, find the resources you need to make a GREAT first impression, as this is the core to being a success when you step out to network!

The Women’s Connection Magazine is available at drop off points all over the South Bay or you can purchase a subscription for $15.00. Women’s Connection, P.O. Box 112358 Campbell, CA 95011.

 

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