MINGLING LIKE A CHAMP!

Whether you're at a last-minute team meeting, a boring awards banquet, or a social gathering, your have two major goals: to make a positive impression on as many people as possible, and to give and take ideas. You have to juggle all aspects of these two goals - self-promotion, fielding questions, listening to concerns, and taking suggestions - without dropping the ball!

Quick Tips: Mingling for Success

  • Give yourself time to meet multiple groups of people.
  • Have a short, interactive conversation with 4-5 people within 30 minutes.
  • Comment on something topical or extraordinary - brief conversations will become more entertaining, quick exits easier.
  • Prepare some closing words, such as: "Hope I catch you next time."
  • Introduce someone new into the group, then quietly leave.

When you're in a mingling moment, make others comfortable and you'll make yourself comfortable too. It's definitely easier to talk to people you already know, but face it - you're there to meet new people and find new opportunities.

Meeting and Greeting
Eye contact, a smile, and a handshake make it easier to meet new people. Normal eye contact/gestures vary diversely from one culture to another - in North America, power and interest is conveyed with direct, sustained eye contact of 3 to 5 seconds. A firm handshake with both men and women is appropriate.

Joining a group of strangers seems too tough? Get the host to introduce you - or introduce yourself! Move to the edge of a group, make eye contact, find out what they're talking about, and wait for an opening. Try to find something in common with new people other than sports or your team by asking about their interests, ideas, and goals.

Improve Your Listening Talents
1. Sift through the chat for valuable ideas.
2. Listen for nuggets of wisdom you can use later.

Mingling is a balancing act of time spent with all the people who want your ear. If you spend the whole night in a corner with one person, you've wasted your time and some major potential opportunities. Use the following tips to help you widen your circle of contact.