you've joined the American Emu Association and have arrived at its annual conference. You see a man standing off to the side and decide to practice your networking skills on him. What is the best way to make contact?
Are there any choices?
When approaching someone at a conference to make a networking connection, it's important to do so in a professional and respectful manner. Here is a step-by-step guide on the best way to make contact with the man you see standing off to the side at the American Emu Association's annual conference:
1. Prepare yourself: Before initiating contact, take a moment to gather some information about the event or the person you want to connect with. It can be helpful to have a few conversation starters related to the conference or the industry. This will show your genuine interest and help break the ice.
2. Approach with confidence: Walk over to the person with a friendly smile and open body language. Make sure you appear approachable and confident, as this can create a positive first impression.
3. Introduce yourself: Start the conversation by introducing yourself. Offer a firm handshake while maintaining eye contact. State your name and mention that you are a member of the American Emu Association attending the conference. This will establish a common ground and make your connection relevant to the context.
4. Show interest and ask questions: Demonstrate genuine interest in the other person by asking open-ended questions related to the conference or their involvement in the industry. This could include asking about their background, their experience with emus, or their reason for attending the conference. Active listening is essential during this stage, as it helps foster a deeper connection.
5. Share your own insights: After listening to the person's response, share your own insights or experiences related to the topic of discussion. This will show that you are actively engaged in the conversation and can contribute to the discussion.
6. Find common ground: Look for any common interests or experiences between the two of you. This can help establish a stronger connection and make the conversation more meaningful.
7. Exchange contact information: If the conversation goes well and you feel a genuine connection, it's appropriate to exchange contact information. Be prepared with your business card and ask if they would like to exchange information. This will allow you to continue the conversation later and potentially build a professional relationship.
Remember, networking is about building mutually beneficial connections, so approach the interaction with a genuine interest in learning from others and sharing your own insights.