Corporations, professional organizations, and associations of all kinds host formal networking events. You will attend several of these events during your career so you should how to use them to your advantage. It is critical to come across as someone others want to know.
In order to make a good first impression, keep the following 15 tips in mind:
Tip #1: Have a solid handshake
Tip#2: Be approachable
Tip #3: Dress well
Tip #4: Use appropriate body language
Tip #5: Don’t come looking for a therapy session
Tip #6: Use good manners
Tip #7: Don’t chew gum
Tip #8: Have a few goals in mind
Tip #9: Be authentic
Tip #10: Don’t do all the talking
Tip #11: Show an interest in others
Tip #12: Be interesting
Tip #13: Turn off your cell phone before the event
Tip #14: Offer and accept business cards properly
Tip #15: Smile
Great list, I’ll add 2 more.
Tip #16: Make a visible effort to remember people’s names. Repeat them after an introduction, and use them to make mutually beneficial introductions between people you’ve met at the event.
Tip#17: from my 37 Ideas to Grow Your Job Search Network Right Now, “Prepare an elevator pitch. In 30 seconds you need to be able to describe who you are and which problems your expertise can solve. Practice until it comes naturally. Tweak as you go, judging by listener response.”