In this age of technology, real conversation still triumphs.
Real conversation, face-to-face conversation is powerful and meaningful
compared to a gamut of social apps presented in front of us.
The question now is where in a conference or event do you
start a conversation? I know for beginners who are socially challenged or
afraid to start a conversation may find it daunting, it is like climbing Mt.
Everest, battling the different elements like the weather. I know I am
beginning to sound like overacting, but I talked to some who are challenged in
this exciting game of networking or for me the social art of knowing and
creating new friends and business partners, and their description fit climbing
the tough Mt. Everest or worst than this.
However, no worries, here are 5 Success Spots in Events or
Conferences where you can start a great conversation and on your way to a
successful networking.
Cocktail Tables
I love cocktail tables I feel that these tables are set-up to
encourage light conversations. You can approach a loner or two people at this
table and strike a conversation. In fact, you can hop in different cocktail
tables and by the time you have moved around, you may find in your pocket a lot
of business cards and special people that can help you further your success.
Food Area
In a buffet area, while you are lining-up to get your food,
you can strike a conversation with the people in front or at your back. You can
talk about the food in the buffet area, and before you know it you already won
a friend or a potential business partner.
Conference Table
(Banquet Tables)
In some conferences, your location is already predetermined.
At our events, we do this in order for people to get know other people from
other companies and expand their network. If you happened to be assigned or
decided to pick the table where you will spend most of the time in the learning
event, make the most of it. Strike a conversation.
In a banquet table, there are 10 to 11 people that you can
potentially know. Do not miss this great opportunity to know them. Start a
conversation and exchange business cards. I always move around on the tables
that I am assigned and give my business cards to all the people at that table. I
always notice that after the exchanged of business cards, the barriers to
communication are gone. I can talk to them freely and they talk to me like we
knew each other for a long time. I think their fear of rejection was
removed and so was mine making the conversation within the assigned table
successful.
Exhibit Area
During the breaks people go around the exhibit area to talk to
suppliers. You should use this area to spot people that you feel you want to
know and exchange business cards. Conversation starter could be by saying hi or
asking the person what is his opinion about the products or services in the
exhibit area.
Registration Area
Yes, this is a bit of a stretch. But there are cases where a
situation presents itself that you can start a conversation in this area.
Consider this, you may give a compliment to her or his dress before he or she
enters the conference area. In addition, some people stay here, and are not yet
interested to go inside the plenary area; it is your opportunity to approach
them. Just say hi as you approach him or her and no doubt a great conversation
will follow.
I hope you find this helpful and use these event areas in
starting a great conversation on your way to expanding your network.
However, if you still have some areas I failed to mention, I
will be glad to hear it and add in this article as an update.
- Thursday, April 09, 2015
- 0 Comments
