Working Receptions

The end of a first day of a conference usually means a welcome reception. At this year's Exhibitor's show in Vegas, it was a good group fueled by fresh ideas and conversation.

Remember a few guidelines when working a room:

1. Be polite, listen and share
2. Always have business cards
3. Spend more time talking and meeting people and less time eating and drinking

Courtesy and manners are always first. Offer your hand, make eye contact, listen to who they are and what they have to say.

If you don't bring and share your business cards, how will you remember who you talked with and how will they remember you?

Connect with old friends and make new friends. Even if the event takes place over the dinner or cocktail hour, this isn't about food and drink. Practice moderation and remember why you are there.

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Stop pitching, start listening

The best quote of the day at a luncheon I attended yesterday was this one:

"Stop pitching, start listening."

The presentation was on freelance marketing communications and how to get into, manage, and stay in the field. Much of teh discussion centered around service, rather than the product one sells.

Hmmm....a common theme....

Let's listen to those who we talk with. Their story will lead you to your story or the conversation you need to have between you. If all you have to offer is a "pitch" then your audience, more often than not, will tune you out before you even start.

While the elevator speech can be a part of that initial conversation, people are really more interested in learning who you are as a person. The more you know about someone, the more you will understand what it is they need or want. Sometimes it isn't evident in a few minutes--it may take hours of conversations and more than one meeting.

While you are "qualifying" leads, stop and enjoy the voyage of discovery with those you engage with. Remember that other axiom:

"You never know who you will work with or for."

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