Stepping in is scary

Found a really nice link today which talks about how to deal with any nerves about stepping into a networking meeting for the first time. It is not a sign of weakness to recognise that going into a networking group for the first time can stir up old fears. Fear of being left out, of being rejected of making a blooper that's going to make you look daft.

Stepping in is scary. Rest assured that you won't be the only one to be feeling nervous. Here's my three rules for getting those butterflies under control.

If there's a coffee table go to it. Gives you access to people who probably are in the same boat as you. They have just arrived and are using the coffee table as a base to see who there is to talk to. Also "Can you pass the sugar? " Quickly leads to "Thanks, What's your name?" Sometimes the coffee table will be inhabited by people who may be breaking off from a group within the room. They will be confident and at ease and ready either to meet you or introduce you to others.

Check out singles. Someone standing on their own around the centre of the room might be having a good look around to see who they can talk to next. If you catch their eye then smile. If you are quite a long way away, make sure you don't fix your eyes on theirs as you stride purposefully across the room. Prolonged eye contact can be perceived as aggression ( see previous posts). It is better to approach them in a slightly more roundabout way, slowly in a relaxed fashion.

"What do you do?" Everyone at a meeting wants to have interest shown in them. Remember networking is about establishing relations that are going to mutually beneficial and are based on the keywords Know Like and Trust. By asking someone this question you showing an interest in them, you are removing any reticence they might feel about talking about their business and achievements, they are at their ease and trust you........ congratulations you've just made a perfect entry to a networking group.

Business for Breakfast brings like minded professionals together in an atmosphere of Know Like and Trust. Come to The Pearson Park Hotel Hull at 7.00 am, Wednesday October 6th or Tuesday the 12th

Check out this link http://www.kintish.co.uk/Tips-on-Working-the-Room

Mark

Check Out Business Balls!

See this article on http://www.businessnetworkingnow.com/  Our east Yorkshie and North Lincs website

The Eyes have it!

You can now find this article on Businessnetworking now.com. The website of BofrB in Hull and East yorkshire

Beware of the Hard Sell

Read this post now by following the link to Business Networking Now. The website of BforB Hull and East Yorkshire

(Parts of this post were reproduced from a post by Sarah Elaine Eaton www.eaton intl.com)

Improve your Presentations, BforB East Yorkshire tests alternative to Powerpoint

Just a quick post to alert you to Prezi.com. Prezi offers an alternative to Powerpoint and could make your presentations and business spotlights stand out. Free to use although you can pay extra for additional packages.

Have a good look but as I always advise colleagues, remember to make sure that the focal point of your networking presentation is you. Good screen use enhances that. Too many gizmos on the screen detract from that.

You can't get to "Know Like and Trust" a memory stick.

Why Business for Breakfast?

As the October launch of Business for Breakfast East Yorkshire draws closer I've been asked the same question. Why BforB?

The best answer was provided a member who said: "I can't think of any other activity that sees me leave the house for a 7 o'clock meeting, and then leave 90 minutes later feeling invigorated and optimistic about the day ahead. That's because at BforB I'm in a no pressure environment where colleagues support each other and see the benefits of not only developing their networking skills, but also enjoy helping me with mine".

At BforB its about network rather than net gain.

Business for Breakfast East Yorkshire

Business for Breakfast, the fastest growing business networking company in the UK will be coming to East Yorkshire soon.

BforB's reputation is founded on a commitment to develop all of our members' networking skills in a friendly, supportive environment.

Business for Breakfast meetings allow businesses a platform from which they can gain quality referrals based on the principals of "Know Like and Trust".

Business for Breakfast will launch very soon in the East Yorkshire region.