There’s no better time to sharpen your networking skills than at the DMA’s annual conference. There are many ways to make connections while side stepping the traps that can numb your spirit, separate you from others and make life and work seem superficial.
Networking, the silver bullet for job hunting and client prospecting, has taken on a new hue. Here are some guidelines to set yourself apart from the crowd:
1. Make a decision to go to at least one event alone and leave the chit-chat with people you know to the end of the function. 2. Connect with people—not with “opportunities.”
3. Be genuine in a sea of slick posturing, pretense, defense and excuses—this will make you memorable. Trust your values and what you are passionate about.
4. Introduce yourself in a positive way. Create a 30-second introduction that piques interest in who you are and how you can help. This is not a heavy-duty pitch. It is sharing the excitement of what you believe in.
5. Be interested in the other person. Look at them instead of having your eyes wander around the room to see if anyone “better” has arrived.
6. Be generous. With character and integrity, think of what you can give to the other versus what you can get.
7. Review your attitude. Meeting people while emotionally grasping for acceptance will lead to people wanting to change partners and “dance” with someone else.—Connie LaMotta, president, LaMotta Strategic Communications Inc., Upper Nyack, NY
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