Andy Lopata, Guest Author –
Many networking experts – including Larry James – recommend that you “act the host” at an event as a great way of meeting lots of people, encouraging others to feel at ease and feeling confident.
This is essential if it’s your event but also useful if you attend something regularly. Done properly, the impact you make on other people can be very powerful.
Last week I attended an event hosted by Women in Banking and Finance (WiBF) for their speakers, committee and sponsors. I had the pleasure of speaking for WiBF late last year at Citi and welcomed the early opportunity to carry on building some of the relationships I had made that evening and previously.
Sylvana Caloni is the President of WiBF and was hosting the event last Wednesday. Not content with just meeting and greeting everyone, Sylvana was a hive of activity. She knew everyone present and who they should be meeting and she was continually making introductions.
I benefited personally from about five very strong introductions made by Sylvana. Not only did she introduce me to people, she explained to both parties who the other person was and why we should be talking to each other. The ice was broken and constructive conversations were the outcome each time.
If I wanted to meet someone in particular, Sylvana made it happen.
When you have the opportunity to introduce people at an event, whether you are the host or not, take a leaf from Sylvana’s book and grab it. People are always grateful to the introducer when a new connection turns out to be a positive one, so look for the chance to make those introductions.
BONUS Article: At a Networking Event, BE the Host!
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Copyright © 2012 – Andy Lopata. Reprinted with permission. Labeled “Mr Network” by The Sun, Andy Lopata was called “one of Europe’s leading business networking strategists” by the Financial Times. The co-author of two books on networking, Andy is a featured columnist the US magazine “The National Networker,” as well as being regularly quoted in the national press. Previously, Andy was Managing Director of UK network Business Referral Exchange. Andy has since worked with companies from one-man bands to organisations such as NatWest Bank, Merrill Lynch and Mastercard to help them realise the full potential from their networking. He is a former vice-president of the Professional Speakers Association. Visit Andy’s Website and BLOG.
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I think this is a real great article.Much thanks again. Great.
Comment by Carl Springs — February 21, 2012 @ 5:45 am |