Mashable's latest #BizChats Twitter chat discussed how to upgrade your networking skills.
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Over the course of an hour, @MashBusiness covered an array of questions, ranging from different ways professionals can create memorable first impressions, to how professionals can battle their nerves at networking events.
Several networking experts shared their best tips, including: Jordan Harbinger, co-founder of The Art of Charm podcast; Judy Robinett, startup funding expert & author of How to Be a Power Connector; Keith Ferrazzi, NY Times bestselling author of Who’s Got Your Back, Never Eat Alone & CEO of Ferrazzi Greenlight; Marsha Shandur, networking mentor and storytelling coach; Michael Port, NY Times Bestselling Author of Book Yourself Solid & professional speaker; Michael Simmons, serial social entrepreneur, Forbes columnist & bestselling author; Vanessa Van Edwards, behavioral investigator & author.
Check out highlights from our chat in the Storify, below:
[View the story "#BizChats: How to become a networking rockstar" on Storify]#BizChats: How to become a networking rockstarMashable hosted a Twitter chat to discuss practical ways professionals can make networking less scary and more fun. Storified by Mashable· Thu, Sep 10 2015 13:58:25
There are many components that embody being a strong networker including: having an attention grabbing elevator pitch, giving and receiving firm handshakes, having the right non-verbal body language, making eye contact with your peers, swapping the business card at the right moment, following up at the appropriate time -- the list goes on and on. With all of these aspects people are expected to juggle, it's no wonder why people dread networking sessions.
Gimmicks and tricks aside, it's important to remember that networking is all about building genuine connections with people. Everyone has the tools to network effectively. It's how those tools are utilized that separate the amateurs from the experts.
@mashbusiness and several networking experts participated in a #BizChats Twitter chat to discuss how professionals can make the most of their networking experience. Welcome to #BizChats! Today we're discussing how to make networking fun.Mashable BusinessA warm welcome to our networking experts: @TheArtofCharm, @judyrobinett, @YesYesMarsha, @michaelport @michaeldsimmons, (cont.) #BizChatsMashable Business@vvanedwards & @ferrazzi! #BizChatsMashable Business#BizChats tip: Be sure to number your answers according to the question you're
answering. (ie., Q1.-->A1., Q2. --> A2., Q3. --> A3.)Mashable BusinessQuestion 1:Q1. What makes networking events so vital in today's job market? #BizChatsMashable BusinessQ1. Because of the internet, EVERYONE is accessible, and no potential employer or client has time to read the entire internet. #BizChatsMarsha ShandurA1. "It's who you know." Networking done right establishes you as a trustworthy friend, not just a qualified candidate. #BizChatsKeith FerrazziA1.People have the jobs, people know about the jobs and people hire people. #BizChatsJudy RobinettA1. Plus each new relationship brings its own network that now sees you as a trustworthy friend. #BizChatsKeith FerrazziIts so hard to meet people. Networking events are like speed dating for business if done right they are fast & efficient #BizChats Q1Vanessa Van Edwards@mashbusiness A1: You never know who your network knows. #BizChatsJennifer BakerA1. @mashbusiness #BizChats At its heart, business comes down to people buying and selling with each other. Social media amps importance tooMichael Simmons@mashbusiness A1. You can meet people who aren't just acquaintances, they could become life-long friends who can vouch for you #BizChatsTauhid Chappell@mashbusiness networking events are vital in expanding your network and making connections that could result in a new career! #BizChatsNathalie Sehgal@mashbusiness its much easier to share your personality and skills through conversation than any resume could.Mykala Daniel@mashbusiness A1 it's tough to feel really *connected* online. It can be like shouting into a vacuum. In-person networking bridges the gapKristine NeilA1. Reason is most folks at networking events want s.th from you and have no intention of helping anyone other than themselves #BizChatsJordan HarbingerA1. Your problem is someone else’s solution. Money, ideas and opportunities are attached to people. #BizChatsJudy RobinettQuestion 2:Q2. How can professionals create memorable first impressions? #BizChatsMashable BusinessA2: Don't recite a memorized elevator pitch. If you sound bored, they'll be bored. Instead tell stories! Your how, your why. #BizChatsVanessa Van EdwardsA2. Be sincere & show genuine interest in people you meet. And always lead w generosity. It needn't be big, just personalized. #BizChatsKeith FerrazziA2 #BizChats Don't think about networking - think about connecting.michaelportA2. 3 Golden Questions: How can I help you? What other ideas do you have for me? Who else do you know that I should talk to? #BizChatsJudy RobinettQ2. ASK QUESTIONS. Be interested. Make it all about THEM not you. #BizChatsMarsha ShandurA2. Create a real relationship with the people you're serving and help them get what they want instead of looking to get something #BizChatsJordan Harbinger@mashbusiness A2 Find out what unique things you & other person share. Makes you stand out vs "I love sports" convos everyone has #BizChatsTauhid ChappellA2. Tell compelling (short!) stories - but ALSO ask questions! #BizChatsMarsha ShandurA2. Generally this involves a long-play and not a special tactic or technique to "get people to like you" #BizChatsJordan HarbingerA2. @mashbusiness #BizChats Be present and focused on having sincere curiosity in getting to know the other person on a human level.Michael Simmons@mashbusiness Dress for success, show your personality and ask LOTS of questions!Christine Wolfl@mashbusiness - A2. Be authentic and genuine in making connections. Don't think about what you get out of networking. #BizChatsUnconventional WomanA2 #BizChats Don't try to prove yourself. Be authentic and real (if you're not they might think you're from LA (joke) cc: theartofcharmmichaelportQuestion 3:Q3. What's the key to fostering a mutually beneficial relationship from a networking event? #BizChatsMashable BusinessA3. Continually help others get what THEY want and introduce members of your network to each other without 'keeping score' #BizChatsJordan Harbinger@mashbusiness A3 #BizChats Beyond being authentic, I recommend arriving early and leaving late. Often some of the best convos happen then.Michael SimmonsA3. Reach out often. Can be as simple as a text. Relationships take time so keep yourself front of mind with new friends. #BizChatsKeith FerrazziA3. ADDING VALUE long before you ask for anything. Make them want to reciprocate.
How to add value? https://t.co/pZ8pnQoo0f #BizChatsMarsha ShandurA3. People must know you, like you and trust you before sharing valuable social capital. #BizChatsJudy RobinettA3. Helpful follow-ups, like flipping relevant articles that your contact may find useful. #BizChatsRichard Gawlas@mashbusiness Don't just add them as another LinkedIn contact. Foster and maintain the relationship with a follow-up conversation. #BizChatsChristine WolflA3 Use the offer mentality. Look around and ask yourself ‘how can I help the people here?’ Not ‘how can they help me?’ #BizChatsVanessa Van EdwardsA3. Be of service to new contacts. You know how you benefit from relationship make sure you show how new contact benefits as well. #BizChatsKeith FerrazziA3 #BizChats Build a human bond before you attempt to create a biz relationship.michaelportA3. Show them that you're worth helping. Take advice they've already given on blogs & explain what you did and how it helped. #BizChatsMarsha Shandur3. Once you've shown you're worth helping don't be afraid to ask for help. Even bigshots want to feel like they've been of service #BizChatsMarsha Shandur@MashBusiness A3 Focus. Walk into networking knowing what you want to achieve. Be appreciated for candor, which is in short supply #BizChatsIdeonQuestion 4:Q4. What are basic etiquette dos and don’ts at networking events? #BizChatsMashable BusinessA4 @mashbusiness #BizChats My #1 rule is focusing on depth vs. breadth. Rather have one lasting relationship than 20 5-minute relationshipsMichael Simmons@mashbusiness A4 DO: follow up & thank them for connection
DON'T: Harass them to meet with you when it's most convenient for you #BizChatsTauhid ChappellA4 #BizChats DON'T monopolize people's time - keep things moving so that everyone can meet more people @mashbusinessEdgar@mashbusiness A4. Etiquette? Be armed, solid handshake, look me in the eye, share appropriately. Don't fawn, be indirect, hog time #BizChatsIdeonA4 #BizChats Don't give your biz card out unless someone asks for it. You ask for theirs and follow up if you're really interested in them.michaelportA4. Do your homework. Research attendees to know you want to meet, why, and what you can do to be of service to them. #BizChatsKeith FerrazziA4. DO follow up with EVERYONE no matter what, within 24 hours of meeting. #BizChatsJordan HarbingerA4. Don't only talk to those folks from whom you want something or do the fanboy/girl thing. That's not connecting. #BizChatsJordan HarbingerA4. If you're nervous, give yourself a goal, like "I must meet three people and have a six sentence conversation with each" #BizChatsMarsha ShandurA4 Just chill out! It's just networking. The fate of world is not in your hands. If you connect w/ someone great. If not, fine too #BizChatsmichaelportQuestion 5:Q5. How can people control their nerves when meeting new people? #BizChatsMashable BusinessA5 #BizChats instead of focussing on self, focus on being helpful. You're less nervous when you place your focus on helping others.michaelportA5.Half of us believe we are shy. Just say hello, smile, offer an honest compliment or kind word—care. #BizChatsJudy RobinettA5 The best way to combat nerves is to stand broader. When you stand strong, you think strong (you release strength hormones) #BizChatsVanessa Van EdwardsA5 @mashbusiness #BizChats Being sincerely curious makes it so I always have questions and there aren't as many awkward silences.Michael Simmons@mashbusiness A5) If possible, have a friend introduce you to new people. Having someone you know can keep you calm #BizChatsTauhid ChappellA5. Remember that probably at LEAST half of the room is as nervous as you are. Fake confidence and it'll come! #BizChatsMarsha ShandurA5. If you've done your research and know how you can help the other person you should be confident in approaching. #BizChatsKeith FerrazziA5. Introduce friends first "Have you met X?" -easier than introducing yourself because you're not the focus. #BizChatsJordan HarbingerA5 Be the inclusive one. Be the one to invite others into the group conversation #BizChatsmichaelportQuestion 6:Q6. Where does non-verbal body language play a part in networking? #BizChatsMashable BusinessA6.Project confidence. Stand up straight. Make eye contact. Own your space. #BizChatsJudy RobinettA6 #BizChats Nonverbal body language makes u accessible to others or closed to others. If ur in a group don't close anyone out of the circlemichaelportA6 60-70% eye contact is the sweet spot, leaning in on important points and angling ur body towards ur conversation partner is key #BizChatsVanessa Van EdwardsA6. Looking OPEN is key. Uncross arms, upright posture, smile. Closed BL will scare people off quickly #BizChatsJordan Harbinger@mashbusiness A6: Knowing how to read nervousness, annoyance, impatience will help direct conversation flow. #BizChatsJennifer BakerA6. Very important for anything face-to-face. Have open body language, smile, and do everything @vvanedwards tells you to! #BizChatsMarsha ShandurA6 Nonverbal warmth and competence are the most important body language of charisma cues #BizChatsVanessa Van EdwardsQ6 @mashbusiness #BizChats I fake it till I make it. Acting shy makes you feel more shy. Acting outgoing, makes you feel more outgoing.Michael Simmons@mashbusiness A6. Respect the other person's space. Maintain eye contact. Follow their league when in doubt. #BizChatsUnconventional Woman@mashbusiness A6) It shows focus, comfort, confidence. Maintain eye contact, stand tall & DON'T look at phone like you're bored #BizChatsTauhid ChappellA6. You've got to be genuinely engaged to create a relationship - LISTEN more than you talk! #BizChats @mashbusinessSarah StevensA6. Non-verbal cues both encourage & discourage deeper connection. Eye contact, folded hands, looking at phone all signal intent. #BizChatsKeith FerrazziA6 Nonverbal warmth and competence are the most important body language of charisma cues #BizChatsVanessa Van EdwardsQuestion 7:Q7. What are the biggest mistakes professionals make at networking events? #BizChatsMashable BusinessA7 #BizChats Biggest mistake is going with a self-centered agenda. Be a Go-Giver as my friend @BobBurg would say.michaelportA7. Thinking it’s about selling themselves/pushing their agenda - instead of asking Q's, showing an interest THEN following up #BizChatsMarsha Shandur@mashbusiness A7) Focusing more on phone than talking, or trying to pass their resumes out to everyone. Some drink *too* much... #BizChatsTauhid ChappellA7. Not having a strategic plan for building your network. #BizChatsJudy RobinettA7. Not asking questions. Make it about the person you’re speaking to - not you! Make them feel GREAT and they’ll remember you #BizChatsMarsha ShandurA7. "Whoever has the most cards wins." If you just look to collect cards you're wasting your, and their, time. #BizChatsKeith FerrazziA7 Don't sell yourself. You aren’t there to meet clients you're there to meet people. #BizChatsVanessa Van EdwardsA7. Trying to connect with everyone. No/poor follow-up. Asking instead of giving. Those are the major offenses. #BizChatsJordan HarbingerA7. Not having a good answer for "What do you do?". I don't personally like that question, but people WILL ask you! #BizChatsMarsha ShandurA7: handing out business cards instead of getting emails and phone numbers right then. #bizchatsJordan@mashbusiness A7: Hanging out w/ people they know. Spread your wings and meet someone new! #BizChatsJennifer Baker@mashbusiness A7: being late, dressed inappropriately, not carrying biz cards & making it all about "I, me & myself" #bizchatsRoshni P. KumarA7. Mistake: Don't assume people have the same understanding or perception of your work, but explain without over-explaining. #bizchatsn a t a s h aA7. Looking over people's shoulders to see who else they can talk to. Never, EVER be *that* guy. #BizChatsMarsha ShandurA7.Winging it. Without good prep you just make a lot of meaningless small talk and just blend into the wallpaper. #BizChatsKeith FerrazziQuestion 8:Q8. What final tips do you have for creating a lasting impression at networking events? #BizChatsMashable BusinessA8 #BizChats every day introduce two people in your network who don't yet know each other but might find each other relevant.michaelportA8.Offer an introduction, share an interesting article. Think of how you can add value. #BizChatsJudy RobinettA8. Yes actually. We offer a whole course on networking that systematizes and builds this into habit http://t.co/o7SPvriIjD #BizChatsJordan HarbingerA8. Once you've proven yourself, don't be afraid to ask for help. People LIKE to help people who are good at being helped! #BizChatsMarsha ShandurA8 Finally: THIS.
(so ask questions about things they're passionate about!) #BizChats http://t.co/8WMQbwc53fMarsha ShandurA8.Introductions are a valuable currency. Use them to create a win-win value proposition for both parties. #BizChatsJudy RobinettA8. It's not about the impression, it's about the follow-up and the value-add after-the-fact. #BizChatsJordan HarbingerA8 Stop being boring! Use killer conversation starters: http://t.co/TxyGhbS4lu #BizChatsVanessa Van EdwardsA8. Research in advance, ask specific questions, tell good stories and ALWAYS FOLLOW UP OVER EMAIL! #BizChatsMarsha ShandurA8.No one escapes pain, suffering and fear. We all need an occasional favor to reach our goals. Most people are kind. #BizChatsJudy RobinettA8 Relax and enjoy yourself. In the end you're just having a conversation with another person. #BizChatsKeith FerrazziA8. Make a daily or weekly habit of connecting two or more people in your network who can help each other. Ask them both FIRST #BizChatsJordan HarbingerClosing Comments: There are only about 20 total people I would endorse for #networking advice and 5 of them are doing a #BizChats w/ @mashbusiness right now!Derek CoburnThanks for having me #BizChats and its been a pleasure @TheArtofCharm, @judyrobinett, @YesYesMarsha, @michaeldsimmons @ferrazzi !Vanessa Van EdwardsThis was great. Thanks for having us! #BizChats https://t.co/waNLEuOv5nKeith FerrazziThanks, all, that a blast! @michaelport @TheArtofCharm @judyrobinett @michaeldsimmons @ferrazzi @vvanedwards @mashbusiness #BizChatsMarsha Shandur@mashbusiness Thanks for today's gravitas-filled chat, and thanks to all your experts too! #BizChatsIdeonThanks everyone this had been crazy fun/informative! Wow! :-) #BizChatsEiram Creative