3 Ways to Keep Your Next Networking Event Flowing
Flow is the most important part of attending a networking event. Nothing is worse than feeling stuck with a less-than-interesting conversational companion all evening. But even if your new connection is the most interesting person in the room, you aren’t maximizing either of your efforts by clinging to each other all evening.
While realizing the need to separate and keep mingling is the first step, actually making the break gracefully can be a bit trickier. The value in networking is building a relationship based on rapport and trust, and you don’t want to risk the connection you have just made by botching the exit.
The following three methods are great ways to manage your transition out of a conversation, good or bad, with style and finesse.
1. Make an introduction.
This is the best method for exiting. It not only gets you on to your next conversation, it does so in a way that provides your companion with a valuable connection. While you’re conversing, you should try to discretely scan the room. When you spot someone you know who fits the profile of someone your new pal should meet, quickly say something along the lines of, "I just spotted so-and-so and she's blankety-blank. I really think you two should meet. Would you mind if I made a quick introduction?" No one is going to refuse such a considerate request. Once you have made the introductions and they begin to chat, it’s time to bow out.
2. Explain that you see someone you must meet.
You can use this tactic if you feel like you need to move on before you have found someone your new connection should meet. Although you aren’t providing the same value as you would be in providing an introduction, your new contact understands you’re both there to meet people. He’s more likely to be thankful for the reminder than upset about the exit as long as you handle it with grace. Wait for a pause and announce that you see someone that you have to talk to (remember you should always be scanning the room). Briefly recap any follow-up items and tell him it was nice to meet him. Then, as you’re shaking his hand gently grasp his right upper arm and move his body toward your right. Though it may sound odd, this sends a genuine message of closure and helps to send a physical cue that it is time for them to move on as well. Finally, and this is the key for keeping rapport, walk over and talk with the person you mentioned you needed to see (whether you really needed to or not).
3. Grab something to eat or drink.
If all else fails, food (or drink or the restroom) can be your refuge of last resort. Again, look for a lull in the conversation and quickly say something such as "I'd like to go grab a drink. Feel free to mingle." Then use the same departure handshake technique from above after briefly recapping any follow up items and thanking him for his time. Once you have released the handshake your body should be naturally facing to the left. Proceed that way out of the conversation (and on to the bar or restroom). Again, as with the second technique, don’t ruin rapport by not engaging in the task you declared.
By: Fred Cadena
2-22-2010
Fred Cadena is a 30-something professional in the financial services area. Currently living in Chicago, Fred works for an online brokerage company. Fred serves as President of the Young Professionals of Chicago and on the Executive Board of the YPC Foundation. When not working, Fred enjoys a broad spectrum of activity including travel, cooking, reading, weight lifting, yoga, photography, and writing.
