Hello Everyone!

Next time you are out networking, make sure you prepare in advance.

TIP #1 -- If you can try to identify who else will be there. While not always 100% accurate - if your networking event is through something like Meetup, or via an Evite - you may be able to do a little "snooping"...umm, I mean research on the people who will be there.

Just like people do when they go for job interviews, if you can find something out about the people you may encounter, in advance, you are way ahead of the game because you have a great way to break the ice and start the ever important relationship building.

For instance - you may be able to see that Lynn L. from ABC Company will be there. You check out her facebook and see that she just got a new german shepard puppy. Now when you go to the event you can work that into the conversation and make an instant connection.

TIP #2 -- Be ready with not only a 30 second commercial, but have a 7 second commercial always in your pocket as well. A 7 second would be 5 - 6 words max that grabs interest and gets the person to say - "Tell me more" - or "How Do You Do That?"

The biggest key here is to find the right words. You may have to test it out on some people who you really are not that interested in talking to, or talk to a branding expert who understands the psychology of words which trigger a response. Actually you can also Google that as well. What you want to avoid is having the person you are talking to get a "deer in the headlights" look.

Hope these tips help. Please share the things you have found, when out networking, that have been successful for you.

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Pam Blackman - On My Wings International
Integrated Virtual Business Management Solutions | Mentoring | Coaching

I like Tip#2. I think it helps to have a very concise way of explaining yourself. I find that most people do not really understand the term "virtual assistant" and actually spelling out duties works best for short descriptions. Using words like "writer", "consultant", "researcher", or "marketer" gets the point across in a way that most can get immediately.

Great tips! The first tip sure is a great way to strike up a conversation and meet someone new at a networking event.
Thanks for sharing!

Excellent tips. I was just thinking over how to explain the Virtual Assistant and the best way to capture someone's attention. This post is going to help me create my 20 second commercial for myself.

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Christina
CyberScribe Virtual Assistants, Inc.