How to Mingle at Business and Social Events with Ease

Networking is an important part of business because it can help build relationships, open doors to new opportunities, and facilitate the exchange of ideas and best practices. These connections can help a business to increase sales, become more efficient, cut costs, or improve aspects of production. 

It is very important to identify your goals. What is the purpose for you attending this particular event?

• To meet certain people?
• To find prospective customers?
• To find a resource you need?
• To make a new friend?
• To nurture existing relationships?

You also need to create what’s called an “elevator speech.” It’s a description of your business and the work you do. It needs to be no longer than 30 seconds. Once you have written it, you need to practice it – several times – so it seems natural.

Prepare at least 4 to 5 questions in advance that will be helpful for starting conversations. You could start with any of the following ideas:

• “You seem to be having a great time. Do you mind if I join you?’
• “I have been looking forward to this event for weeks! How many times have you attended this type of event?”
• “How did you get started in your line of work?”
• “What do you love most about your work?”
• “What do you like most about these types of events?”
• “What is your biggest need in your type of business now?”

You also need to plan what you are going to wear. You should choose an outfit that is professional and appropriate for the type of event you are attending. It is helpful to wear bright clothing, so you can stand out from the crowd, and to wear an interesting accessory or a unique piece of jewelry. This provides people with an easy conversation starter.

I also advise people to eat before attending a business event to help maintain your energy, especially if you are running late. Remember, what is important is the people you will meet, not the food.

Make sure you have business cards to distribute when people ask for them. Bring at least 20 cards. Promise yourself you won’t leave until you have given out at least half (if not all) of them.

You need to wear a badge that is easy to read and provides your name, title, and company. Wear it on your right shoulder so that people can easily see it when they shake your hand.

Making an Entrance

When making an entrance, move to the right and pause. Slowly look around to find the host, greeting committee, or the ambassadors of the event, the food table, the restroom, and the best places to stand to meet people. Do not make a dash for the food table or bar, as that is counter-productive to your purpose for attending the event.

A word of caution: It is easy to talk to people you know. But you are here to meet new people. So, if you have come with friends, or colleagues, it is best to acknowledge them early on. Then explain that you will circle back to them later. It is incredibly challenging to step out of your comfort zone and meet new people. So, make sure you network and meet new people.

Where to Stand to Meet the Most People

Whether you are at networking event, holiday party, or wedding, most events have the same basic setup.

The Entrance Area is the place where people’s nerves run the highest. When people have just arrived, they might be stressed about running late, focusing on checking in, looking for a place to check their coats, surveying the room, seeing if they know anyone, worrying about first impressions, silencing their phones, running to the bathroom, or hoping they will have a good time. This is not a good place or time to try to start a conversation.

The Side Area is the area nearest the bathrooms. Use the bathroom if you need to, but don’t hover outside it.

The Social Area is the best place to meet people. Stand near either side of the bar, near the host/hostess/boss who is greeting people, or at the couches or bar tables where people are already eating. People who socialize in this area will get the most opportunity to meet people and to hand out their business cards.

Food Table

The food area is one of the worst places to meet people. It is awkward to strike up a conversation when people are trying to load their plates with food. When going to the food table, don’t take too much food. Always hold your food in your left hand so you can greet someone if they approach you. Choose foods that can be eaten in one or two bites. You don’t want anything that drips, oozes, or is so hot it can’t be politely chewed and swallowed.

Engaging in Conversation

To start a conversation, choose the most approachable person who is standing alone. When approaching two people, make sure to notice if they turn to look at you. Does one or both turn with their feet facing toward you? If so, that means they are ok with you joining them. If not, feel free to talk to them later in the event. When approaching a group of three or more people, slowly ease in before entering the conversation.

Since first impressions are very important, greet people with a smile, shake hands, maintain eye contact, and repeat their names. Be aware of your posture and of personal space. Most people are comfortable if you keep three feet of distance between you.

As you begin to approach people, focus on the other person instead of on yourself. That helps you relax and to enjoy learning more about the person you are engaging.

A great conversation starter is to compliment someone. Complimenting someone on a piece of jewelry, clothing, or any other item makes them have a warmer feeling for you.

When with another attendee, plan on talking for eight to ten, but no more than 15, minutes. If the person with whom you are talking begins to scan the room, look at their watch, turn their body away from you, or exhibit any sign of boredom, it is wise to end the conversation gracefully.

Ask for other people’s cards if you sincerely want to keep in touch with them. Once you have someone’s business card, make sure you follow up with them within 24 hours of the event. If there is an obvious mutual connection with someone you have met at an event, you can call them and invite them to lunch to discuss possible business. If you know someone they would like to meet, you can make some email introductions.

Word of caution: Never gossip or talk negatively about others, including colleagues or a former boss.

Exiting a Conversation

Always thank the person with whom you have been conversing and shake their hand while smiling and still maintaining eye contact. You want to provide some reason for leaving:

• You had planned to meet with at least three new people today
• You are meeting a friend or colleague
• You need to go to the restroom
• You need to head back to the office or home.

Whatever the reason(s) you give, always make sure you follow through. Otherwise, the person with whom you just chatted will form a negative feeling about you.

Networking offers participants great opportunities to help their businesses. Prepare ahead of time, stay focused on your goals, and follow a few commonsense rules and you, too, can benefit from attending business events. To learn more, check out the Hann School’s networking courses at hannsprotocolschool.com/business/.