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Work that room without working up a lather!
Genevieve Westcott.

Home Biz Buzz

Does the thought of going to a work-related function leave you feeling like a warm jelly? Here are ten great tips to help you not only enjoy, but relish, the occasion!

Face it: If you just want to jump back into bed and pull those covers up over your head at the thought of mixing and mingling with a roomful of strange party-animals this holiday season, then you’re missing out. So get over it - or let it ruin your life.

If you’re a reluctant festivities fancier, you might find this hard to believe. But Vodafone has already treated its staff to a Christmas party that’s hit the front page of the NZ Herald because they hired Thai strippers to entertain their guests. Yes, folks, like it or lump it, the festive fantasia is upon us - and you’ve got to cope.

If it’s any comfort, most of us are seized with fleeting fits of shyness and awkwardness when it comes to networking. Yes, even the most flamboyant and garrulous among us hesitate at having to chitchat with strangers. But if you work at it, you can learn to hide your sweating palms and knocking knees and come away from any function with valuable new contacts and friendships.

Reaching out can be especially difficult if you’re used to sitting in the safety of your own home office, communicating through a keyboard instead of fronting up in person. So here are 10 top holiday tips for networking like a pro at the next function you attend. Remember: The ability to converse comfortably with people anywhere, anytime, is a valuable skill to develop. But just like a great game of tennis, you need to practice, practice, practice if you ever hope to join the big leagues.

1. Take a deep breath, put a smile on your face, tell yourself you’re a terrific person to spend time with, and walk into that room - walk, I said, not dither! - like you own the place. Perception is reality. If you look like you’re in control, confident and happy to be there, people will naturally be attracted to you.
   
   
2. Don’t be a buffet hog. Avoid clinging to the refreshment table or the bar. This isn’t the Titanic and you’re not Kate What’s Her Name? going down for the count. You can always tell who the nervous nellies are just by watching where they position themselves. Hiding out in corners or hugging walls isn’t allowed, either.
   
   
3. Never approach two people. Instead, seek out people who are on their own. They’ll love you forever if you strike up a conversation with them! Or look for groups of three or more people. The risk with approaching two people locked in conversation is that they may be immersed in deep discussion and not too welcoming to an outsider.
   
   
4. Initiate. Be the first to offer a smile - a warm "hello" - and a handshake. Don’t wait for others - seize the day! You send out messages that you’re in control and interested in getting to know others. Don’t forget: Most people wait for others to make the first approach. Reach out to them and you’ll send all the right messages.
   
   
5. Wear your nametag high up on your right hand side. This makes it very easy for people to see it. Make sure it includes your name and your organisation - or even better - something provocative that will initiate conversation. If you’re a hairdresser, you might want to write "Beauty" under your name. If you sell insurance, you might want to write "Money".
   
   
6. Ask lots of questions about "them" - don’t talk too much about "you." By giving your new acquaintance your undivided attention and thoughtfulness, you’ll inevitably leave them thinking you’re a fabulous person. Why? Because you were interested in them - their dreams, their lives, their problems. You’ve got to give to get.
   Be a Boy Scout and go prepared with 2 or 3 topical and timely subjects to talk about. This is especially important if you find yourself standing next to someone who’s terribly shy. Remember: you don’t have to discuss "War And Peace." Talk about the little things and build small bridges of rapport.
   
   
7. Always say hello to your hosts - and good-bye, too. Make sure they know you’ve arrived and that you appreciate the invitation to join them at their event. And when you do leave, again, be sure to thank them for their hospitality. Keep it short and sweet. Nothing is worse than the people who take forever to say a simple and effective farewell.
   
   
8. If you meet someone you’d like to stay in touch with, ask if they’d be willing to give you their business card. If they do, make a discreet note on the back about their interests or any problems you might be able to assist them with. Then make sure you stay in touch.
   
   
9. Have fun! If you’re having a bad hair day, your cat ate the family pooch, your husband has just run off with the local kindy teacher, and you’re determined not to enjoy yourself at that company carol sing, then stay home. Please! Your attitude shows all over your face. So unless it’s upbeat, energetic and friendly, do yourself - and everyone else - a favour and be a party pooper. Stay home!
   

Genevieve Westcott networked her way around the world during her 21 years as a multi award-winning television correspondent and anchor. Today, as NZ’s leading communications mentor, she helps people become star performers for fame, fortune and fun. She’s a sought-after professional speaker, a consultant, an author, and an expert in making the most of news media and networking opportunities.

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