Networking. It’s more than giving away business cards.

“We are often haunted that somebody will see the real you and you won’t measure up, and your cover will be blown. “

By Melissa Love

Networking is a vital skill that benefits you in ways you can’t imagine. Keep in mind though, that networking isn’t a quick one and done solution. It’s a long game of building relationships.

Finding yourself alone in a room full of strangers or needing to work with someone from a different department demands you find ways to break the ice. But communication skills among people are vastly different and, unfortunately, one of man’s basic needs is safety. We put up barriers to protect ourselves. We put on masks that conceal our real selves. We are often haunted that somebody will see the real you and you won’t measure up, and your cover will be blown. I spent 20 years working in the fast-paced world of marketing. It was vital we kept our multi-million dollar-clients happy. For twenty years, I changed my personality to fit the needs of my clients—to make them more comfortable. All this creates a self-consciousness that actually hinders us, not helps us. So how do we create relationships that really matter? Relationships built on mutual respect and where we can truly lean on each other, get help and celebrate each other?

I help others by conducting networking, sales empowerment and employee engagement workshops that combine low-pressure exercises and entertaining games to help employees learn new skills, find things in common and share laughs and common experiences. This builds confidence, takes you out of your comfort zone and forms lasting relationships. Here’s some tips to help you connect.

BE A GIVER

The #1 thing to remember is to be a GIVER. A giver is looking to expand their network and is interested in

giving referrals. They care about getting to know others and finding out what you have in common. They want to hear about what your passions are, about what keeps you motivated, about your family and, then finally, your business. A TAKER is someone who controls the entire conversation—sometimes these folks are called compulsive talkers. Their first and only interest is to sell you something. They only think about themselves and how they can profit.

When you give, others naturally want to give back to you.

FIND THE LONER

It’s intimidating to see a room full of people who are already engaged in conversation. Look for someone who has just entered the room or someone standing by him/herself. They will be quite relieved to see you approach. Have your opening line and first question ready.

ASK QUESTIONS One of the quickest ways to break the ice is to ask questions. People love to talk about themselves. Instead of asking “What do you do?” ask, “What do you love to do?” This question will put a smile on nearly 88% of the people you encounter and allows you to shift the conversation instantly to one with deeper meaning. Sure, you can always circle back around to, “What do you do?” This alternative question leaves people feeling positive emotions about you – exactly what you want!

And practice active listening—the kind of listening that requires you to be totally focused on the speaker, listening and not thinking about what you’ll say next. You’ll find out things you have in common which is a great foundation for building relationships. If they mention an industry or a recreation activity you know nothing about simply state that and lean in to learn more.

SIX-FOOT RULE

It’s important to network at all times. Whether in the office or at clubs and associations, remember the six-foot rule. That is, when you come within six feet of someone, look up and say hello. It’s that simple. This opens the line of communication right then and there. And if a conversation doesn’t begin there, you’ve made yourself known and began the process of being recognized and remembered.

Melissa spent the first 20 years of her career in marketing working the front lines with multi-million-dollar clients like Trump Entertainment Resorts, RollsRoyce, Subway, Pizza Hut, Indiana Department of Transportation and the Rose-Hulman Institute. In 2011 she fell into improv and found it could conquer her fear of public speaking and allowed her to always be her authentic self. Because of the strong connectedness and 100% acceptance, improv provided her a freedom she’d never experienced before. Shared laughter, shared positive experiences, strong community, stress relief and group therapy all rolled up together…that’s the power of improv. She now provides workshops to companies

nationwide to inspire human connection, kindness and laughter in the workplace. If you’re looking to build bridges that connect managers to their team and attract inspired employees to grow your business Everybody Up! can help. For more information, contact Melissa Love at 512-695-9144 or email her at melissa@everybodyuptx.com.