Networking at conferences can be a bit nerve wracking, especially if you have never had any practice.
However, business networking is an effective way for PR professionals to meet new contacts in your industry or in journalism, or meeting people that can assist in new business development.
At conferences you will find most people are in the same boat as you, wanting to meet new people but at a loss for where to start. Franny Oxford, author of the blog Do The Work has provided some helpful tips on how to start a conversation with people at networking events.
Follow the context.
Start conversation with questions about the conference. ‘What did you think of the key note speaker?’ or ‘What seminar will you be attending next?’ These questions are so easy to ask and easy to answer and are a great way to bond about likeminded topics.
Find commonalities.
The best way to bond with someone is through common likes and dislikes. If the person you are speaking to mentions something you agree with, voice it! You never know where that conversation may lead.
Just relax.
Meeting new people can be awkward but the best course of action is to take a deep breath, relax, make eye contact and listen. The best conversationalists are those that are calm, secure, gracious and don’t make themselves the centre of the conversation.
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Sydney Public Relations Agency, CP Communications provides specialist media, traditional and online PR strategies that get amazing results. Contact us today. For more great tips visit our website www.cpcommunications.com.au.