

Try to figure out what that person's goal is, and see if you can help. And the same is true in reverse - you might not be able to help them directly, but maybe you know someone who will. Even if there isn't an obvious connection with the person in front of you, you never know who they might know. When you meet someone, you aren't just talking to them you're at the gateway to their entire network.
#My first great impression on professional#
Heather MacLean, Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of New Brunswick My final comment: make it about others, not you. Be sure to dress appropriately, bring business cards and, above all else, be genuine. Learn who the attendees might be, if there is a guest speaker on a particular topic - if so, familiarize yourself with the topic and speaker beforehand. Melanie Tabet, FlightHub and JustFlyįirst off, don't overthink it, but do some prep work in advance. Remembering that will help you stand out. People are more than just what they do, which some tend to forget in this type of setting. It's a lighter way of getting to know them and creates a stronger connection. Instead of asking people what they do, ask them what brought them to the event. Liam Quinn, Reach InteractiveĪsk questions, show interest in others and walk away from the event having learned something new. As a result, the people you speak to are much more likely to remember you when they leave. You'll be able to develop much stronger relationships, and in turn, it will make your pitch easier. Perhaps it's music, sports, film or something else. Try to find something you have in common that is unrelated to the networking event. Smiling and laughing are the best ways to introduce yourself without saying a word. People will want to talk and network with you.
#My first great impression on free#
When someone says something funny, feel free to let your authentic laugh out. If you can make others feel upbeat and uplifted, you've gone a long way toward networking success. When you exude optimism and confidence, you'll naturally attract people who want to learn more about you and what makes you unique. Yes, it's old-school business, but the value of a positive first impression and a genuine smile can't be overlooked. Offer A Positive Attitude And A Warm Smile This will make people gravitate to you because it feels sincere, and no one likes being sold to the first time they meet someone. Have a positive attitude, and bring knowledge to give. Holly Tate, Vanderbloemen Search Groupīring the best version of yourself to the event. It will also allow people to ask follow-up questions because they clearly understand what you do.

"We help _ do _ by _." This will allow you to introduce yourself with confidence. The more you ask about them, the more positive they think about you! - Leela Gill, Intelligence Nodeīe able to say what you do in one clear sentence. From there, be inquisitive and try to learn something new about the other person. Then, introduce yourself and offer a positive comment about your experience at the event. Sarah Lero, Peerless Products IncĪ good icebreaker is to smile and ask the person how they are enjoying the event and/or what they are hoping to learn from it. Stay on professional surface-level topics. Networking can be stressful for a lot of people, so I suggest avoiding topics that can trigger awkward situations. Ask yourself, “do I really want to work with someone who doesn’t know the real me?” - Scott Case, Upside Business Travel Be authentic because people will see the truth anyway. The right impression is the one that leaves the person with an authentic experience of who you really are.
