| |
|
Working The Room
by
The ability to converse and communicate effectively is
one of the key factors
to being successful in any position you hold in the fashion industry.
Business networking (or rubbing elbows, if you will) allows a person
to build new relationships, generate career opportunities and job
leads. No matter what type of business function you are attending, be
it a cocktail reception, seminar, conference or any other type of
networking function, you need to master the fine art of working the
room.
While walking into a room full of stangers can be daunting, the last thing you want to do is cling to the
person who accompanied you or not be able to get up the
nerve to speak to anyone else in attendance. When you attend
a business function, you are being given a wonderful
opportunity to meet an array of different people who are in
the same room, at the same time. So how do you most
effectively maximize this opp ortunity? Using my
three-pronged work-the-room approach (before, during and
after the event) will help you network like a pro. Remember
standard business etiquette always applies.
Before the event
Dress Impressively. How you present
yourself is everything. You will be meeting people who you
may be asking to help you in some way, so looking the part
will give them more motivation to want to assist you. You
should wear something equal parts business and fashion and
make it notable.
Boost Your Confidence.
Confidence is only going to help make your networking
function a success. Remind yourself of your top three career
accomplishments, emphasize your best physical features, work
out or do whatever it takes to give yourself that extra
sense of self-assurance before you walk out the door to go
to the event.
Prepare an Elevator Pitch.
An elevator pitch or personal branding statement (PBS)
describes what you do, what makes you unique and what you
can offer in 10-15 seconds. Make sure it will peak someone's
interest enough to want to hear more both at the event and
at a later date.
Prepare Conversation
Starters. Preparing conversation starters ahead of time
will allow you to effortlessly ease into dialogue with other
people at the event. Armed with ice breakers such as, "I
don't believe we've met, I'm so and so" or "I'm sure we've
met before, I'm so and so" or "Great event, have you been to
one before?" will allow you to approach people easier.
Bring business cards.
Don't forget to bring enough business cards with you so you
won't run out. It is unprofessional to attend a networking
event without them and it doesn't look good if someone asks
you for one and you do not have any. And answering that
request with, "They are being made," just doesn't cut it.
It's not only a letdown, but shows unpreparedness on your
part. If you are unemployed, either get business cards made
or make them yourself describing in five words or less what
you do.
During the event
Check your coat.
Holding onto your coat suggests that you are on your way out
or aren't going to be staying long, which all leads to a
non-serious demeanor. So be sure to check your coat, tote
bag or briefcase so that your hands are free and you are not
jumbling when you exchange business cards or interact with
others at the event.
Introduce yourself to the
host/hostess. It is always good to get to know who
hosted the event. Offer them a compliment on how well it was
put together or how delicious the food is and you'll be sure
to get an invite to their next function.
Scan the room for people
you may know. It's always easier to speak with people
you know at the event first before moving on to those you
don't know. Scope out the room and see if anyone looks
familiar. Once you speak to them, you'll feel more
courageous to introduce yourself to new people.
Relay your elevator pitch.
Do not go into your elevator pitch as soon as you meet
someone; you need to work into it after you make initial
small talk and feel the conversation is at the ideal point
of doing so. Remember you are there to sell yourself, not
your company (if you are employed). People do business with
people whom they like and trust, especially when dealing
with people from other countries. Once the trust has been
built, business deals can be made and jobs can be offered.
Ask people about
themselves. Everyone loves to talk about themselves. It
feels good to be able to boast about what we are doing or
what we have accomplished. Show genuine interest in what the
person you are conversing with says and ask probing
questions. As they are speaking, think about how they can
help you in your career and how you can assist them.
Don't talk to one person
for too long. Chances are the person who you are
speaking to is also interested in meeting other people at
the event, so be sure to give equal time to different guests
throughout the course of the event. Politely excuse yourself
by saying, "It was a pleasure to meet you, I just saw
someone that I know that I'd like to speak to" or "Please
excuse me, I need to use the restroom." Remember to get
their business card before you leave if you see any
potential. And it's always a good idea to jot down a note or
two on the back of the business card to help you remember
them so you can follow-up effectively.
After the event
Follow up immediately.
You should follow-up with the people that you met at a
networking function within a week, be preferably within 1-3
days. Tell them how much you enjoyed meeting them and
reiterate what you have in common. Repeat again how you feel
you can best work together. On occasion, send them an
interesting article or tidbit that relates to what they do.
Showing your interest in them will hold their interest level
and only help to build your new relationship together.
Working The Room is an excerpt from the
The New York Fashion Industry Survival Guide
TM
|
