Exiting a Conversation. Here are some effective tactics: 1. Offer your card and express your interest in continuing to mingle. 2. Set up a time to call or meet in the future. 3. Excuse yourself shortly after another has joined in the conversation. 4. Introduce your new contact to someone else that you know. 5. Suggest you both go get a drink and meet some new people in line.
"It’s been great talking to you and I look forward to seeing you again”; "I see the client I invited has just arrived."; “I’d like to continue this conversation. May I call you?"; “I will keep your card on file when I need..”; “Would you like to get together for coffee next week?”; “I am going to grab a bite to eat.”; “I am new here, so I want to try and meet some others today.”; “I haven’t been to these meetings for several months and want to rekindle some other acquaintances.”; “I can only stay for an hour and I have several other people to talk with.”
Keep your exit comments and mannerisms positive and upbeat. Remember, your body language and tone play a more important role in you conversation closing than the words themselves. Leave a conversation with a smile, handshake and offer to help.
Good things do NOT come to those who wait … they come to those who INITIATE. Take action! Consistently offer help and support through sharing of ideas, contacts and information.
Keep Your Word. The most disappointing flaw in human nature is the lack of follow thru. Reflect on how many times someone promised to do something and didn't live up to their commitment. Its extremely frustrating and creates a negative image. If you commit to do something, do it! And do it timely! Don't make promises or commitments you cannot deliver. Building a relationship hinges on trust and credibility and keeping your word each and every time will make you truly unique and stand out.
Self Intro. When asking a question in a public setting, always state your name and company. If appropriate and relevant, state a quick description of your business. Benefit: Brand yourself to the audience and makes you memorable for anyone who wants to follow up.
Add Value. Increase your efforts to help others. Send them a suggestion, idea, strategy, or a tip of the month (or week) that will help grow their business.
Nurture Existing Relationships. Constantly meeting new people is important to expanding your network, but never overlook the need to nurture your existing network. Focus on building reciprocal relationships in which you each strive to help and support one another.
Politely Exit. Always strive to make several connections at events. The ritual of talking with someone, learning about them, exchanging business cards, and moving on is an accepted practice and M.O. of an effective networker. When exiting a conversation, politely express pleasure at having met the individual and the hope that you will meet again soon. Make a sincere offer to be of help in the future if you so choose.
When you smile, the whole world smiles with you. Leave your problems at the door and put on a smile. Studies show you are more approachable when you smile. If you’re more approachable, you’ll meet more people… maybe even someone whose has a problem you can solve.
Nametag Nirvana. Make conversations easier to begin. Hey You is never the best opener, so let others know your name and you can be more comfortable walking up to others and being able to call them by name.
Foster Relationships. This forum is an opportunity to create a relationship and what you do today will serve as a foundation for efforts to further build. You need to put in the time and effort to demonstrate you are someone that people can get to know and develop a rapport with. Treating everyone you meet with respect will serve you well in networking.
Break Bread. Meals are an opportune moment to get outside the confines of a conference and allow free dialogue. If there are opportunities to enjoy meals out on the town plan ahead and reserve a private table at a decent local restaurant. Always seek to avoid anything high priced, unless of course you are picking up the check for all! During the conference invite others to join you and ask them to bring a guest. This way you can ensure you meet new people. Encourage everyone on your team to play the host role and pull together a dinner out.
Spouse Support. Each time you are attending an event and bringing a spouse or significant other, make sure to brief them on the people they will be meeting. Ensure that your better half understands what you do and can articulate it to others. You will double your impact if he/she can sing your praises as well!
