Quick Tips for Business Socializing

We’ve all been there – the nervous, shaky feeling in your stomach. The sweaty hands, the desire to duck and run. It’s a sure thing – business networking can be a real stressor. Those who have been in the realm of business socializing for a long time have developed several quick tips for business socializing, and we’ll share some of our favorites with you today. These seven tips are paraphrased from Susan RoAne’s How to Work a Room: Your Essential Guide to Savvy Socializing. If you’d like to learn more tips from RoAne, be sure to get your hands on her book for yourself.

And now, let’s dive into it. 

Quick Tips for Business Socializing

1. How do I approach people?

Start by approaching the person standing alone. Or, go to a group of 3 or more. Make sure to smile!

2. How do I remember people’s names?

Remember to focus on the person, not on yourself. Don’t think about “messing up” or what you’ll say next. Instead, listen to the pronunciation, repeat the name, look at the person, read the name tag.

3. How do I get over my nerves?

The best way to get over nerves is to be prepared. Stay on top of current events, both in world news, local news, even entertainment news. Go a step further by having three to five stories prepared in advance.

You can also prepare by practicing small talk wherever you go – at the fitness center, in the checkout line, at the ball game.

4. How do I end a conversation?

Try interrupting yourself, rather than someone else. Shake hands again and summarize the conversation. Conclude with a nicety like “it was so great to meet you.” Then, move further away – not to the group right next to you, but to the group on the other side of the room.

5. How do I know if the other person isn’t interested in the conversation anymore?

Pay attention to facial expressions and body language. Listen for verbal cues.

6. How do I join a group?

First, remember to choose a lively, engaging group of people. Choose a group of three or four and begin by standing on the edge of the group. When you are acknowledged verbally or by eye contact, step into the group. Ask to join.

Once you have joined, keep the conversation focused on whatever they were talking about before. This isn’t a chance to push your own agenda forward.

7. How do I move the conversation from small talk to business?

Quite honestly, it might not happen right away. Use the time of small talk to learn about the people with whom you are conversing. Only after learning about their interests and developing a rapport can you move into talk about business.