Can you network?

Well of course I can, I hear you say, but really can you?

I met with a friend today and she was telling me about an event that she went to last night.  A room full of men (it was a financial services market predictions event).  There were two speakers and time in between for networking.  She relayed to me how difficult it was to network and that she really felt uncomfortable all night.  She felt like she was intruding in every conversation she tried to break into and that the men were reluctant to share their details even when she was offering to send them free information that would help them.

"That's because men can't network" I replied.  And for the most part that is true.  Women are much better at networking because we intuitively have more of the skills that are required.

Here are some rules to help you be more successful when you are at a networking event.

• Be aware that it IS networking event, it's not the place to gossip with friends and chat with work colleagues.
• Be open to people joining your conversation.  Welcome them in, remember some people are nervous and shy, make it easier for them.
• If you connect with a really interesting person that you need to chat to further then arrange to meet them after the event.  Free up yourself and them for additional networking
• Don't be afraid to say - "nice to meet you, lets meet next week, I need to go and network some more now."  It is a networking event.
• Study body language when you are thinking of joining a conversation group.  Look at their feet.  If feet are turned in together these people are in an indepth conversation.  Feet turned slightly away from each other are easier groups to join.

74% of senior jobs are found by networking - so go and power up your networking skills