Creative Streams

Principles of Painless Mingling, Part 2

Anne Schwab, Creative Management Services

Whether you are attending a convention, special event or a company party,is is where business and friendships form and flourish. Did I think I would better advance my career sitting home watching Mad Men? So here I am and sometimes feeling as stiff as a potted plant. To make circulating easier, I developed the Principles of Painless Mingling, (cont’d).

5.  Who Am I and Why Am I Here? Sometimes if I feel uncomfortable at a function, I get a momentary bout of amnesia and forget why I am there. So before I head out to an event, I run though my short list of desired outcomes: make three new contacts and at least one job lead.

6.  Play Tag. Most events pass out name tags to make introductions easier. So, stand near someone you think looks interesting and read their name tag that may also have company information. Now, you have some idea of who’s who.

7.  The Approach. When the person is free, make your move and inquire about their company and their job. If the well runs dry on those topics, ask about their connection to the host or to the organization.

8.  Take Charge. If your contact knows the host or person in charge of the organization, ask for an introduction.

9.  Copy That. After collecting several business cards, take a moment to write information about the person and organization on the back of each cards. This step is one I need to practice. I am so certain that this time I will remember. Yeah, sure.

10.Movin’ On. Unless your contact seems to have immediate work for you, set up a time at a later date to talk at a later date, and move on.

 

Got the plan, Stan? Go to every event you think might be beneficial to your bottom line— business contacts, job leads and even new friendships. Then plan a few outcomes, study name tags, make the approach and gather business cards. And practice, practice, practice the Principles of Painless Mingling.

Contact CMS to discuss fresh, painless approaches to your communications, 202 333 3560. Please review our new video production site: www.cmsvideoproduction.com. Shall we meet?