The Edge for MARCH 2023
Now is a good time to brush up on your networking skills - with the state’s top business networking event, the N.J. Chamber’s ReNew Jersey Business Summit and Expo coming up on March 14 and 15. We have asked some N.J. Chamber members to dish out their secrets on meeting people and developing prospects. Their answers are below (and if you want to attend the Business Summit, you can get more info and register by clicking here.)
Make an Open Circle and Welcome People In
Everybody in the room is there to do the same thing. Don’t be shy about approaching people. When you extend your hand, you are the one that breaks the ice. Also, networking is a learned skill and it takes a level of experience. I’m a little rusty because of the pandemic. But the pandemic has given us more to talk about. Start a conversation by saying, “Isn’t it great that we can do this in person again?” If there is a third person, never close the circle. If you want to make people feel more comfortable, don’t huddle with people in a corner. Make an open circle, and welcome people in.
– Susan Merrill O’Connor, Director of Membership & Communications, New Jersey Center for Nonprofits
Find Common Ground, and then Converse on a Human Level
Be yourself. Be natural. Listen to other people. Let them share their background and their successes. I try to find a connection through common ground – whether it’s college, professional background or clients. If you find common ground, you break down barriers – no matter age, race, gender, or ethnicity – you can converse on a human level. We are all in this together.
– Husan “Hoss” Abdul-Ghani, Financial advisor/ Vice President, Merrill Lynch
Don’t Force Your Business on Others
The most important thing is to work on developing friendships. Be genuine. Ask people what they do. Networking is about relationships. Do not force your business on others. I’m not going to close a million dollar deal at a networking event. If you are persistent with your networking, the deals will come.
– Craig Spiegel, Account Manager, Lumen Technologies
Ask People What They Do. They May Need Something You Offer.
Smile. Have a conversation. Start by asking people for their name and what they do. That is a good start to a conversation. Here is what you know when you walk into a networking event: Everybody needs something and that is why they are there. They may need something you offer. Bingo! It’s about being in the right place at the right time, with some luck mixed in.
– Dinesh Siva, CEO & President, The Zencon Group
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