[PLANNING] Never Be Awkward at a Networking Event Again!

I always say, "planning makes everything easier," and that's true with networking too!

Although many people think I'm an extrovert, in many personality tests, I score right on the cusp of being an introvert, which is why I loved meeting Sales & Networking Expert & Author Mandi Graziano. She gave some great planning tips that ensure success at networking events. We also chatted about how dodgeball is a surprisingly great networking (or should we call it "sweatworking") activity and how/why she created a text group chat she calls her "Squat Squad."

Watch/listen to the full conversation at https://bywdreams.mailerpage.com/126

Here are the highlights:

1) What day is it? As I'm writing this, today is National Chicken and Waffles Day, National Youth Confidence Day, National Brandied Fruit Day and two other "days". Don't believe me? Check out the https://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/ for yourself! Mandi suggests always knowing what "day" it is, and using that as an icebreaker when you meet someone new. "Hey, did you know today is national chicken and waffles day? Do you like chicken and waffles?" So much more fun than, "What do you do?"

2) What's interesting about the city? Mandi tells a great story about attending an event in Louisville, Kentucky which is the epicenter of disco ball manufacturing. You'd be charmed if someone walked up to you at a networking event and said, "Did you know that Louisville is the disco ball capital of the world?" Find out what's interesting, unique, special about whatever city you're visiting. It's good for the ice-breaking and it'll probably be fun for you too!

3) Get familiar with the event agenda. Perhaps you meet someone who's wondering where the food is, where to register, or when the keynote speaker is. If you spend a little time perusing the agenda, you can be helpful which is always the best icebreaker!

4) Pre-event icebreaking: Mandi uses social media to do "pre-event icebreaking". For instance, she'll post take pictures of potential outfits to social media and ask people to weigh in. Or she'll do a roll call on LinkedIn asking, "who's going to be at this event and what are you most excited to see?" So, when you arrive, you already have some seeds planted, and it makes it easier to start conversations.

5) Ask open-ended questions: To have a deeper conversation, and also sound more engaged and authentic, ask open-ended questions. One of Mandi's favorites is, "What made you laugh this week?" So much more fun and interesting, and guaranteed to spark some authentic interactions. Alegre's favorite open-ended question is, "How do you spend your time?" because it allows people to talk about whatever they want.

Our conversation was FULL of nuggets. You can watch/listen to the full conversation at https://bywdreams.mailerpage.com/126

#planning #networking