Prepare your elevator speech.
In marketing, an "elevator speech" refers to the brief overview of a product or service and how it benefits the customer. In this case, this is about your career - so the "product" is you, and the "customer" is your future employer. Plan what you're going to say ahead of time - write it down on a notecard. Make it snappy and upbeat, informative and easy to understand. Practice your elevator speech on family members and friends until it rolls off your tongue really easily. This is what you'll say to people who ask you what you do.
Look around, make eye contact, and smile.
Eye contact lets people know we're approachable. If you come across professionals whom you might want to get to know better, give them a casual, friendly glance. (Word to the wise: "friendly glance" does not mean have a staring contest!) If they look back, maybe think up a lighthearted remark or other way to get them to start talking. In the next tip, we cover what to say... so keep on reading.
Take your conversational cues from your surroundings.
If you're like most people, it can feel funny to just strike up conversation with a total stranger. Get past the awkward first moments by looking for commisseration cues. What's happening right now that nearly anyone there would be able to relate to? Is there a really long line to get in? Did everyone get stuck in traffic on the way to the event? Is the weather absolutely gorgeous? Is someone wearing an outfit that totally knocks you out? Casually bring it up - or offer up the compliment. If they seem receptive, take it wherever the chat may lead...
Learn to dodge the career networking cling-on.
Here's a networking survival tip. If you get stuck talking to a cling-on career networker, excuse yourself to go make a trip to the restroom (even if you don't have to go). You can just duck away quickly in the hope that the clingy networker will move on to a new victim, err, prospect. It would be nice if everyone we met at career networking events could have been born with perfect social skills, right? But for those we encounter who are lacking those, the old "Pardon me, I must go use the facilities" trick is always a lifesaver! (Just try not to spend the entire event in the bathroom).
Carry your card.
You may think that a business card is only necessary for folks who freelance or run their own businesses. But what if you're searching for full-time employment? This is a great reason to have your own business card printed up as a means of defining who you are and what you do. People don't typically carry resumes around with them wherever they go, but they DO have a handful of business cards in their wallet or purse. Have a snazzy card printed up that highlights who you are up front and center.
Master the art of "conversation diving."
This is where you "jump in" to a conversation already taking place between two other people. The idea is to find a common ground with whatever they're talking about. Maybe they work in a related field as you do. Perhaps they've just name-dropped someone who you have worked for/with before. Or, they could be discussing the last career networking event they attended, and you were there as well. Don't interrupt - just wait for a pause, take a deep breath and plunge in. Be sure to smile and use plenty of positive nonverbal gestures - so they know you're nice, and worth knowing!
The great news about career networking: the more you do it, the easier it gets. If you want to brush up before attending the really big events, then scan your local paper for career networking opportunities. Show up at a few of these, where you won't feel so pressured. Practice your conversation skills! Then, when a really big career networking opportunity comes along, you'll be ready to rock and roll.
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