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Written by Don Cooper
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Monday, 13 March 2006 |
Networking tips for March.
• Stand up and be seen.
• Hold your drink in your left hand.
• Work the registration table.
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Stand up and be seen.
Whenever you are at an event where everyone in the room has an opportunity to introduce themselves to the entire group, be sure to stand up. You will be more easily seen by everyone, increasing your chances of being remembered. (Keep in mind that we recall faces better than names.) If nobody before you has stood up, it may feel uncomfortable to be the first, but you will notice that almost every person who goes after you will also stand. Being a trendsetter means you are a person of influence, and thus, worth knowing.
Hold your drink in your left hand.
Since you will be shaking hands with your right hand, you don't want it to be cold and wet. People form their impressions of you within seconds, and a freezing cold handshake sends a negative message. Even if your glass is empty, or you are drinking a hot beverage, it still pays to hold it in your left hand. Trying to switch something from your right into your left every time you need to shake hands is time-consuming and awkward. It also increases the chances that you will spill or drop something. That's definitely not what you want to be remembered for.
Work the registration table.
If you are not yet skilled at networking, or if you are very shy, or if you just want to meet a lot of people very quickly, volunteer to check people in at the registration table. You will meet virtually every person who attends the event, the work will keep your mind off your nervousness, and you will stand out from the crowd in a positive way. Your organization will also appreciate your help and will likely call on you when they have other opportunities for you to increase your visibility and credibility.
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Networking Tips 
