- If you get the chance to chat with someone influential be prepared to have a meaningful conversation.
- Do you have something interesting to tell?
- Can you ask interesting questions and stimulate conversation?
- Are you actually prepared for the opportunity or are you going to wing it?
- Do you know what messages you want to get across, and how best to present them?
You might be a guest at a client function, a charity event or some other "social business-related" setting.
- Do you know how to behave?
- Do you understand etiquette and manners?
- Do you know who will be there and what you might say to them?
- Are you treating it like an opportunity to shine?
- You may find yourself in large networking events.
- Do some research - who will be there, what is the event is all about, what is the history, who are the organizers etc.
- Learn how to network. There are many sources that offer advice and some training.
- At any time in your career you may find yourself with opportunity.
- Remember the basics.
- Do NOT just play it on instincts.
- Be prepared.
- Put your best foot forward.
- People's opinion of you can be colored, good or bad, very quickly.
- One small indiscretion can cause the red flags to go up, meaning that you now have a hurdle to overcome.
- A favorable impression on the right person can go a long way.
- Some of the classic moments that will not help your business:
- Getting drunk at a client function -- social or not;
- Speaking from the hip, possibly because of too many drinks. Nothing wrong with a little honesty, but always be cognizant of your audience.
- Not being prepared for a meeting.
- Being given an opportunity to present ideas/concepts/opportunities and focusing on negatives, not solutions.
- Talking too much.
- Not listening enough.
- Ignoring the normal etiquette of a situation.