Yesterday, we discussed a recent study on monkeys and what you can learn from them about rationalizing.
Today, you’ll learn four tips to network your way through your holiday parties.
Mingle bell #1: Break the ice.
Ideally, someone introduces you. In fact, look for people you know talking to people you don’t know. That’s the easiest way to get introduced to someone new.
If that option is not available, just think of an interesting opener. You might comment on something they’re wearing. Or discuss the food, the drink, or the place that you’re at. If all else fails, talk about the weather!
Mingle bell #2: Find something in common.
Find out how they know the host. Obvious, isn’t it? But with that information, you may get a clue to other people, places or things that you have in common with the person you just met.
When all else fails, fall back on our humanity. Check up on current events before the party, particularly lifestyle news. You can always make fun of the celebrity du jour!
Mingle bell #3: Take a genuine interest in them.
Some people network solely to do more business. They’re looking for money with every contact. In our opinion, this is a mistake for two reasons. First, you don’t get to know some of the best people you’ll ever meet. Second, people see through it quickly.
Listen intently. Remember two ears, one mouth? You’ll learn more than you ever imagined, simply by letting others talk about themselves.
Mingle bell #4: Make a lasting impact.
We live in a society hell-bent on moving fast. Speed dating came first. Now we have speed interviewing and speed networking. An article recently suggested that if you spend more than two minutes talking to someone you just met, you’re wasting your time. We think this is bull caca. Yeah, we checked the spelling … according to Webster, we got it right!
You shouldn’t force it. If there’s a lull in the conversation, find a graceful way to exit. But keep your goal in mind – to find new people with whom you connect. You’ll be more effective thinking quality, rather than quantity.
Use these four tips to take a sleigh-ride to successful networking!
Our quote today is by an unknown author.
“How far we travel in life matters far less than those we meet along the way.”
So mingle your way through the holiday. You’ll make spirits bright!
Next time, we’ll get aggressively passive when we talk about how to build a passive income that sets you free.
Until then, here’s to your bigg success!
