How To Work A Room

Networking is a key aspect of an entrepreneurs life. Even with the advent of networking websites, meeting people and attending conferences takes up a big chunk of an entrepreneurs time. At such meetings, it is important to not just meet the most number of people but to make the right contacts. Knowing how to work a room just right can make the difference between it being a boring waste of time and an exhilarating event that expands your circle.

Here are some pointers on how you can work a room, filled with important people, to your advantage.

1. Plan Ahead
Before walking into a room filled with strangers make a master plan about all you want to accomplish from this conference. Set up a couple of targets and try to accomplish all of them. Goals will help you avoid wandering around aimlessly or trying to strike up forced conversations with people who don’t interest you or won’t be able to help you out. Keep an updated list of the different people attending the meet and the list of people you would like to meet. 

2. Maintain confidence
It’s not enough to just feel confident, you also need to show that you are composed and self assured. Right from the moment you enter the room till you are ready to walk out. Wear your best clothes, strike that power pose and sometimes fake it, till you make it. Travel light with just the essentials like important documents, business cards, a pen and a note pad. Don’t fumble with too many things in your hand while making new contacts.

3. Do your homework
Read the poster for the event, learn who all will be attending the gala, make a list of people you would like to meet and study a little about their interest to break the ice. Catch up with the latest news and current trends to engage in small talk before getting to the main point. Express an interest in topics beyond work, comment on the food, the venue or even the host of the event. It’s easier to segue into conversations regarding work rather than starting conversations with work related topics.

4. Learn the local culture
Different cultures have different meanings for simple gestures and words. Some phrases may have different meanings in different cultures and may also be considered rude. For example, ‘getting pissed’ in America refers to getting angry, where as the same phrase in Britain means getting drunk. Never make the mistake of assuming everyone is on the same page as you are. It is always better to be informed and aware of where the other person comes from before making small talk.