Moxie Networking 101

So, you've joined the coolest local networking group that offers the most benefits for your membership fee, and you're all revved up to attend one of their awesome monthly mixers.

You psyche yourself up and walk into the room... and you have no idea what to do next.

We know networking can be very intimidating to some of our less outgoing members, so we've created some simple rules to help you interact at our mixers.  Networking is so important to your business and personal growth, and we want everyone to feel confident about doing it.

• Go with a goal.  Decide how many people you want to introduce yourself to during the event and don't leave until you reach it.

• Be prepared.  Put some extra business cards in your bag, along with brochures if you have them.

• Arrive early and stay late.  The longer you're there, the more folks you can connect with.

• Attend with a friend.  You can take turns introducing each other to people and bragging about each other.

• Work the room.  Don't stand in one spot!

• Seek out your fellow introverts.  They are just as uncomfortable as you are and can often be seen standing alone with their drink observing the room.

• Know your message.  Be confident about your business and what you are promoting.

• Introduce others around.  This is a great way to facilitate the networking process.

• Pass people off nicely and move on.  If someone is bending your ear too much, it's ok to excuse yourself to go to the bar.

• Ask questions of the other person.  Always a great way to stimulate conversation and make someone feel good.

• Know to listen more than they talk.  A pretty obvious one.

• Don't try to sell.  Selling at professional meetings is usually inappropriate. Instead, use the mixer as an opportunity to develop a relationship and schedule a meeting for a later date.

• Follow up.  Get in touch with the people you meet within a few days to let them know you were glad to meet them.  Set up a time to visit their business or sit down for coffee.

With a little practice, you can become a world-class networker!