The N-word! Networking - we all know the value of effective global networking and we feel we should be doing more of it. Unfortunately, for too many of us the very thought of attending an event where we have to mix and mingle with total strangers is enough to drive us into hiding until it’s all over! What a pity we often force ourselves to go to a potentially great conference, but we’re so busy worrying about the networking part that we forget to enjoy the event!

But achieving effective global networking is like so many other activities in life- it’s easy when you know how. But so many times as we attend networking events, there are certain obstacles that most people face.  Here are a couple of common obstacles along with solutions for overcoming them.

Breaking into conversation groups

One of the questions most often asked during networking workshops is about how to break into groups and join conversations in progress. To deal with this situation, you must master the fine art of “hovering”. First, choose a group you’d like to join. Now, move towards the group, but stop a yard or so from the edge just close enough for someone to see you there and look interested in the conversation. Nod and smile as everyone else does, and before long someone will see you and invite you into the group.

What you do next is important. If someone is speaking, you don’t want to be the cause of disruption. Simply say, “Don’t stop your story, Stan I’d like to hear the rest of it too.” Then, when Stan is finished speaking, you can introduce yourself and now you are part of the group! Wasn’t that simple?

Moving On

I’ve seen people twist themselves into knots looking for an excuse to end a conversation and move on. They’ll suddenly notice someone they’ve been frantically searching for, or they’ll remember they absolutely must make a phone call they’ll even wave over the other person’s shoulder to an imaginary acquaintance! Well here’s a flash for you: you don’t need an excuse to move on because that’s the whole purpose of networking!

Say something like, “Well Janice, I’ve enjoyed meeting you and we should probably both move on and do some more mingling. I hope you enjoy the conference, and perhaps we’ll meet up again later on.” That’s it. By giving her an opportunity to meet others too, you’ve removed any suggestion that you are abandoning her.

Following these principles will help you get the most out of the networking events you attend, thus growing and maximizing the potential that these events provide.