How to work a room

"A room full of strangers" is identified as one of our top fears. Have you ever wondered what to do when you attend a function alone? Did you ever feel helpless when you arrive at a meeting and you do not see familiar faces? Getting one or two new contacts at an event can make it all worthwhile – even more so if you’ve sacrificed your personal time to attend. Yet rarely do we make best use of a crowded room. This practical course shows you how to overcome feeling daunted approaching strangers, how to project confidence, get the most out of conversations and avoid getting stuck with someone at a networking event.

Who is it for?
This course is aimed at anyone who finds difficulty in getting value out of networking events or who is dissatisfied with their ability to make new, worthwhile contacts at events.

What you will learn

DOs and DON’Ts of networking

• How to avoid being the networker from hell
• Key principles in getting the most out of an event
• Handshakes and card swapping skills
• Dealing with disagreements during conversations
• The importance of setting objectives, even for networking

Working the Room

• Breaking and entering – legitimately!
• Techniques to overcome lack of confidence or fear of rejection
• Looking the part and making a good first impression
• Ideas on how to connect with people quickly
• Good opening lines that break the ice and what to do to make the conversation lively

Introducing yourself

• You develop your Elevator Pitch - an effective way to respond to:What do you do?- that gives the other person something to work with
• Bringing what you do to life and focusing on the benefits
• When and how to move from small talk to big talk

Building a relationship

• The value of certain types of questions in finding out more about people
• Being a word detective to build closer relationships
• Becoming a referral hub and other strategies to be of value to others
• The etiquette of exchanging cards

Other Strategies

• Tips to remember names, faces and details to avoid embarrassment
• The benefits of going to an event with someone else
• Knowing when to move on in an event and exit with grace
• Key ways to stay in touch without being pushy

Benefits to you and your organisation

• Feel more confident and willing to work the room
• Acquire skills and techniques to break into group conversations, build rapport and develop lively conversations
• Go away with a crisp and clear way to introduce yourself so others want to get to know you
• Leave a person or group without them feeling ‘dumped’
• Follow up networking events in a way that leverages maximum benefit