So you have your elevator pitch prepared, you have rehearsed this with friends, and you are now about to enter the room:
Tip No. 4 – Remember your posture! Take a deep breath and stand tall, head high and enter the room confidently with a smile. Personally, I usually nip to the rest room first and then get myself in a positive, confident frame. Visualise yourself walking in, meeting interesting and friendly people, and remember to breathe!
Tip No. 5 – Rember to have a hand free to greet people with – this may sound obvious, but think about how you will juggle any bags or papers you have with you, glass or cup, even a plate of food.
Tip No. 6 – If you are introducing others to a new arrival, don’t just say their name and their job or who they work with, make it personal, ‘this is Claire, she does an amazing job of being a Mum to Tom and Alicia, as well as working full time for XYZ company’
Tip No 7 – Remember your manners and keep eye contact with the person you are talking to. When someone tells you their name, repeat it back to them. Everyone likes to hear their name mentioned, and this will help you to remember the name also
Tip No 8 – Approach small groups and look for people who are standing in an open, accessible grouping. You will see some close-knit groups who form a tight circle, this is a sign that they do not want to be disturbed – best to wait awhile and see if the circle opens out before you approach them. Stay between 3 – 7 minutes and then move on.
Last 2 tips to follow and these will be on the topic of Business Cards, and the importance of Follow-up.
