Getting the Word Out.... in a not-so intrusive way.

I have been working hard to get the word out about what we do here at Cabrini Connections, Tutor/Mentor Connection -- and yes, I realize I need to blog more to bring in this component as well, spare me the lecture. But, in life, it is also a great idea to capitalize on your talents. One of mine is working a room... yes, we're talking networking again. I've been asking around to some of the top networkers I know and reading lots of info, however, on how to center my networking abilities so I stay on course throughout "working the room."

At our golf benefit on the 17th of this month, I made connections with a couple people. It was important to make that connection then for when I solicit their help for committee membership to plan our black-tie gala this coming winter. I always network with a specific purpose in mind.

If you are the complete opposite of me however, and hate face-to-face networking, trust when I say you are not the only one. But there are ways to make it a little less taxing on you, if even the hint of public speaking or striking up conversations makes you stop cold in your tracks.

Thursday, June 24, 2008... I attended a Community Media Workshop networking event called the Nitty Gritty Pub Crawl. There I networked with some influential people whose business cards I quickly added to the file. One being a PR Professional... who owns her own Public Relations firm, free press anyone? And I also networked with a couple other professionals who would be great collaboration projects in the future.

Monday, I attended an events planning networking session hosted by The Small Business Association. While this one wasn't as successful, it gave me a good gauge of WHAT kind of networking sessions I should stick too. And with this information, I am able to lay down some concrete rules for myself.... and you may feel free to use them too.

1) Be Selective.
All networking events aren't going to be the perfect one to attend. Some will not garnish you the results you're looking for and trying to attend all of them, well, that's just tiring. So you have to think of the BIG PICTURE. Pick the event with the most content for your time -- a guest speaker or a discussion panel or an open bar* in my experience are the best.
* I've found people are ALWAYS more inclined to talk and friendlier when they've had a cocktail.

2) Tag Team the Event and Bring a Friend/Guest.
I am asked by several of my friends to attend events with them... it takes the pressure off getting the conversation started with a complete stranger. For me, bringing a reluctant networker to an event raises my fun-quotient for the evening. And generally for my friends, they piggy back off my energy and build their adrenaline to hit the crowd on their own. Plus, we can always bring it back to center to each other and chitchat about what we've seen, done and heard at that point.

3) Less is More.
Don't overdo it. Having three stellar conversations that cover a lot of depth is better than 20 shallow ones that generate few results. It's not a competition to see who can collect the most business cards, we should be making connections and building relationships.

4) Small Talk.
Not good or not sure how to kick-off your conversation? Think simple. “Is this your first event you've attended with (insert group name here)?" is pleasant, to the point and generally won't result in a one-word reply even though it's phrased a close-ended question. Even with a "Yes, what about you?" will brew additional questions along the way so long as you're really engaged into your conversation. So pay attention. Follow the conversation's spark wherever it leads... all-business topics are not only boring, but also expected. Think outside the box.

5) Be Succinct.
Little one-liners called "Bumper Sticker's" in my industry are always a plus. Succinctly share what it is you do without broadcasting your entire resume. "I manage the marketing, fundraising and public relations for a non-profit tutor/mentor organization, Cabrini Connections." See? Bumper sticker. If it takes you more than 15 seconds to spit out it's too long. If you don't say your company name, that's OK, but your description should be more detailed about what you do there.... again 15 seconds... tops.

6) Ask Questions.
Just like when interviewing for a job, asking questions about the other person and their interests is a great way to build rapport, but in all honesty also to see how you can help each other IF you can... If you don't have a clue what a mycologist is, don't pretend you do... ask! Most people, especially those attending a networking event, are normally happy to share what they do/know.

"I'm afraid I don't know a thing about (insert obscure profession here) - can you tell me more about that?" is a great follow up when you're out of your realm.

7) Nice to Meet You.
Always wrap up the conversation by thanking a person for his or her time, and expressing your admiration if there is some. "I'm so glad I got to meet you! I hope we can stay in touch!" If you haven't already exchanged business cards by then and you want one, that's a great way to lead to getting it. Don't ask for it, if you don't want it. And don't offer yours just to be kind. It's a networking session, but no pressure! If you want more, and feel comfy, try to lock down future engagements, collaborations.

8) Time to Go... Thank the Organizer.
While it is a rarity, event organizers do receive thank you notes. However, I find it much more natural and subtle to just make sure he or she is included in my good-bye rounds. But feel free to be the exception and take the time to write and thank the organizer/coordinator for his or her effort.

When done, email the ones you enjoyed networking with the most... no more than a week after the event please! Thank them for their conversation, leads, advice etc.

With that being said, please be on the lookout for "2009 AC: After Cabrini, How Cabrini Connections Keeps the Culture of Cabrini Green in the Youth Who Lived There." A documentary in discussion with a network I made last week at the Pub Crawl. Title, negotiable. :)