After reading the first part of our Networking Hacks series, are you still wondering how some people can easily connect with strangers at an event? If you find yourself still stuck in your seat or still waiting for at least one person to say ‘Hi’, then the second part of our Networking Hacks series is perfect for you.

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Networking Hack #4: Ditch The Elevator Pitch

When we asked Athena members to give networking tips for this email series, we found that the common denominator of their answers is to ditch the elevator pitch and focus on relationship building [tweet this hack].

“Be authentic. And even though we want others to know about what we do, I feel it is also about listening to other participants and getting to know them. I usually have the impression that these networking events become more and more a “me, me, me” platform. Take the time to get to know others, not as a potential client, but as a person.” – Antoinette Biehlmeier

“We network to know people, build friendships, connect with like-minded people of different backgrounds/professions to widen our circle of friends. Be genuine listening to people and not like a hawk rushing through to distribute and collect name cards for your mission. Establish friendship even with one may turn out to be a dozen behind her.” – Sara Mei Woo

“Be yourself – go in with a view that you will make a new friend rather than going in with a mission to distribute as many business cards. That way you will be true and authentic and people will remember you and will result in a relationship that lasts and works rather than one referral.” – Aarathi Arumugam

Although it’s a good practice to have an elevator pitch prepared, you should remember that the bottom-line of networking is relationship building. To do that, you should forget you’re working and pay attention. Being a distracted, dispassionate conversationalist is no way to lock someone into your network, because people want to feel valuable at the end of the day. So genuinely, listen with an open mind and without judgment, and no doubt the other person will feel flattered and then simultaneously have a genuine interest in you.

Networking Hack #5: Share Personal Stories

As you start having conversations with the people you set out to connect with, it’s important to smile, make eye contact, and share personal stories that make you interesting and memorable [tweet this hack].

Jacqueline Whitmore, an etiquette expert, shares: “If you said to me, ‘Oh, I love that pin you’re wearing,’ I could say ‘Oh, thank you’ and leave it at that. Or, I could say, ‘Oh, thank you. This is my grandmother’s pin, and it came from England. When she was 12 years old, her father gave it to her.’ And it’s, ‘Oh, really? My family is originally from England.”

And, if you can, follow Colleen Debaise‘s advice to share your passion: “Winning people over is easier when they feel your enthusiasm for your product or service. Leave a lasting impression by telling a story about why you were inspired to create your business/company. Talking about your passion is often contagious. When you get other people to share their passion, it creates a memorable two-way conversation.”

Networking Hack #6: Have An Exit Strategy

Have you ever attended a networking event where you were stuck with the same group of people? If so, Networking Hack #6 will teach you how to have an exit strategy [tweet this hack].

“An exit strategy means that you don’t have to speak to one person for too long,” explains Shirley Taylor. “It will allow you to “work the room” and network with more than one person. An example of an exit strategy is introducing someone else into the conversation then leaving the conversation to network with someone else.”

Pamela Kirpilani adds: “You should also have an exit strategy from conversations that aren’t good matches. Equally important in any social interaction is your ability to disconnect with people who either provide no value to you, or with whom you sense a hint of discord and competition.”

So before you attend another networking event, make sure you have these scripts:

“It’s been great to meet you, I’m going to mingle a bit. If I don’t see you again tonight, good luck with your [vacation/class/wedding/new job].”

“Here’s my card, don’t forget to send me an email with that [insert something you talked about, like a website].”

“I’d like to chat with you more about this. Why don’t we grab a coffee some time outside this busy event?”

“Do you have a business card?” This is the perfect way to say, “I’m interested in communicating with you further, but our time together at this event has come to an end.”

“Well, [insert name], it’s been great talking with you. I’m glad I ran into you.”

Ready for more hacks? Read Networking Hacks Part 3!

Set yourself up for success. Join The Athena Network today!

_{Written by Joyce Villarisco
Edited by Nedda Chaplin}

_{Image credit: Business people clinking glasses from Shutterstock}

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