The Networking Nightmare / bummer: you walk into a networking event and everybody’s talking to everybody.

Don't become overwhelmed with the Networking Nightmare

Darn! Now what? Go home? Use this as an excuse to leave?

Hang on, I’ve got you covered!

Several tips: one today, more later.

Tip number one: get there early. That’s right; “Fashionably late” does not apply to networking events. By early, I mean “on time.”

If the event is from 5:30 to 7:30, get there at 5:30. When you arrive early, you get to meet the event coordinator and chat before he or she is too busy. Find out the current news about the organization. Maybe find out whom to meet. Also, you’ll see other people who’ve arrived early but who haven’t yet gotten into an extended conversation. As new people arrive, greet them. Especially if they arrive alone.

Are you wondering how to approach them and what to say? Stay tuned …

P.S.: If there’s a presentation that evening, you’re better able to pick a good table near the speaker, with a chair on the opposite side of the table from the speaker so you aren’t craning your neck during the presentation.

MAIN TIP to avoid the stress of figuring out how to break in when people are already grouped and involved in active conversations:  Arrive Early (on time).

Next installment with 3 ½ tips.