Welcome to the game...the game of BUSINESS. Where how well you play will depend on following the rules. Like all games, there is an objective. Here, it is to establish RELATIONSHIPS by collecting useful and worthwhile business cards or email addresses for follow-up. Events usually take place in elegant or relaxed venues. There will be obstacles like free flowing vodka and dip with chips (or is it chips and dips?) to navigate at every turn. Your opponents? everyone else in the room with your exact agenda. So come on! Let's play......
- Decide if the event will serve your contact needs. If you are an advertising executive, how well will your time be served at an event for recent University of Michigan graduates?
- Prepare a quick mental brief to share about who you are and what line of work you are seeking.
- Place your name tag just below your RIGHT shoulder. As you shake hands, the eye will see that first.
- Enter the room and circulate-key in on someone or a group that catches your interest.
- Smile and make eye contact, listen until you are included.
- Introduce yourself when there is a pause.
- Spend only a few moments with each group. Leaving gracefully by closing with a handshake and asking for a card.
- Never hang out at the bar
- Always keep your drink in your left hand. Keeping your right hand free to shake.
- Never talk about sex, religion, income and health-especially yours.
- Avoid "I"
- Did I mention have fun?
