Fluid Consulting eBulletin Issue 15

hands

Employee engagement

A bit like Marmite, some people like to meet new people through networking and others hate it. To make it effective this is what we recommend:.

Do arrive with the commitment that you are going to meet new people – not just spend time 'clumping' with people you already know
Don’t get there too late to scan the delegate list in order to identify people you would like to meet. Find them and introduce yourself. Or get someone you know to make the introduction for you
Do make a point of volunteering to introduce people to help others. Make sure you get everyone's names right
Don’t depart early - stay until you have met and connected with a pre-determined number of people. Start with just one or two – as your confidence (and success grows) build it up to five or six
Do focus on finding ways to be of value to others – initially, forget what's in it for you. Achieve this by offering opportunities to others – information, referrals and recommendations with little or even no desire for 'a return favour'. Offers with strings attached are not offers
Don’t sit down at networking events
Do give your name first. It helps put people at ease. Then ask for their name
Don’t stop repeating the name of the other person (mentally!) until it is lodged in your brain. If you didn't quite catch their name ask for it to be repeated, rather than 'letting it go'
Do recognise that starting a conversation can be daunting for some people. Talk about common interests – what they want from the meeting, how long they've worked for their company, what they like about their role, what else they would like to do, are there any speakers they are particularly keen to hear, what they think of anyone they've already heard?
Don't spray your business cards around like a tomcat. When you meet someone interesting, collect their business card.
Do recognise that starting a conversation can be daunting for some people. Talk about common interests – what they want from the meeting, how long they've worked for their company, what they like about their role, what else they would like to do, are there any speakers they are particularly keen to hear, what they think of anyone they've already heard?
Don't dismiss support or junior staff such as secretaries, assistants, waiters and waitresses or security guards because they can all be huge allies, or your biggest enemies. Spouses also have far more power and influence than some imagine. Nurture them. Get to know them as people. Look after their interests and they will recognise and reward you by providing access to their decision-making 'superiors'.
Do make it your objective to find out enough about them to have a valid reason to follow up with a call or email. Perhaps you can send them some appropriate information that you promised.
Don’t forget to enjoy yourself!


	As the school summer holidays start later this month, many employees will be looking forward to their annual break. Rest and recuperation, spending time with the family, trying new leisure pursuits....the list is endless


	how to help managers put the ball in the back of the net (you might want to read this bit Fabio)....