Networking Ice Breaker: The Value of Eye-Candy
3 TIPS IN CONNECTING WITH PEOPLE WHEN NETWORKING
The value of eye-candy. Hmmmm.
No, I don't mean the superficial creamy complexion, a short skirt and stiletto heals to show off your legs, or eye-lashe extensions to flutter and flirt. Personally, my eye-candy is logo wear. Let me explain the importance of projecting the right appearance and energy when you meet people and share 3 of my personal tips.
Feeling proud in representing your company's brand and wearing an eye-catchy logo helps break-the-ice when you are networking.
DID YOU KNOW THAT IT TAKES ONLY 2-SECONDS TO MAKE A FIRST IMPRESSION?
In his book, "Blink," Malcolm Gladwell cites studies and examples of how our adaptive unconscious mind sizes up the world, warns us of danger, and makes a split decision whenever we meet a person for the first time. In a study with college students, a person watching a silent 2-second video clip of a teacher made the same conclusion as a student who sat in that teacher's class for an entire semester.
According to Gladwell, "whenever we meet someone for the first time, whenever we interview someone for a job, whenever we react to a new idea, whenever we're faced with making a decision quickly and under stress, we use that second (unconscious) part of our brain."
So no matter what you say...blah blah blah... the unconcious mind naturally will form an impression in a BLINK. Thereafter, the conscious mind will seek more information and discern an opinion or decision about a person and/or situation.
IMAGINE THIS...
You are in a room full of professional people who are there to network and potentially start new business relationships.
How do you make a favorable and memorable impression?
How do you get people interested and curious in having a conversation with you?
Here are three things I do to prepare and meet new people when I network:
1. Think positive. Set my intention to meet people and share positive energy.
* Listen with CURIOSITY
* Feel sincere care and concern on how you can SERVE AND ADD VALUE (not SELL)
* SMILE
2. Wear appropriate attire for the occasion; clean grooming; look professional.
* I wear my clean and ironed EEpath™ or Lead & Live Well™ logo shirt
* It is recommended NOT to wear heavy perfume or cologne.
People you meet may be sensivitive or allergic to scents.
3. Be authentic. Be ready to respond to that common question and engage in conversation.
* What do you do? Give VALUE.
* Speak with grounded CONFIDENCE (bragging or arrogance are masks to insecurities).
* Make eye contact.
* SMILE
NETWORKING ICE BREAKER EXAMPLE
* I walk up to a new acquaintence and say, "Hello, I'm Cynthia!"
* New acquaintance looks at the logo on my shirt and asks, "What's EEpath? What do you do?"
* My answer: "EEpath is my company and I help people work and live better."
The friendly conversation continues with sincere interest and care...share ALOHA!
