Networking/Meeting new people?

Does anyone have any tips with business networking, for example, sometimes i meet people in clubs who I know could help me in my career, but I never know what to say to them without soundin like a plonker! are there any simple guides any of you go by that assure you dont flop in these situations

Networking/Meeting new people?
Well, you have hit the nail on the head there. It's not easy for some people (for me neither) but practice makes it better.





First of all, to get to networking events where it's easy to chat to people there are several groups organized around the uk. One of them Chamber of Commerce, which you need to subscribe and they almost have at least one networking event a month.





Others, which are private could be BoB, BRE, the best of...(city/town) to which you have pay subscription. Those groups are easier to break the ice because everyone is there to do exactly the same and if you are shy, people still will talk to you.





I think the best technique so far (at least works for me) is to show interest in the other person's business before you start talking about yours. It always gives them a little bit of importance and they're more likely to listen to you afterwards.





This is something I have recently been doing and I didn't find it easy either. You develop a speech as time goes by and you can gather people's reactions as you talk about your business.





Good luck
Reply:In my business we use FORM as a way to form conversations and network.


F = family. find out if they are married, kids, etc but not in a creepy way, if you know what I mean


O = occupation. what do they do, do they enjoy it, do they like where they work etc. It also lets them ask about you so you can tell them a bit about yourself


R = recreation, holidays, where and how often, what else do they enjoy doing, get to know their interests, again gives you chance to find common ground


M = money, a touchy subject for some people but a way to find what is really important to people what they want to spend their money on.


In all conversations it is most important to listen actively, so you can carry on talking about what they have just said rather than being there while they answer and thinking about what you are going to ask next.


a good place to gain extra tips is reading how to win friends and influence people (it does exactly what it says in the tin) and personality plus to understand how people think and how to get on with them better. good luck

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