Copyright 2004 by Beth Mende Conny, ArtofSchmooze.com
All rights reserved in all media.

The content of this article may be forwarded in full without special permission provided it is used for not-for-profit purposes and full attribution and copyright notice are given. For other purposes, contact Beth Mende Conny at Beth@ArtofSchmooze.com

Networking doesn't have to be work, nor does it have to be scary. Plan ahead and you'll gain the confidence you need to work a crowd. Effective planning is based on good information, however. You can gather it by answering the following questions; you'll find more in my book The Confident Schmoozer (Blue Island Productions).

1. What's the event and its purpose?
Every get-together has a purpose, be it implicit or explicit. Sometimes the purpose is clearly identified - you're there to promote your services or to meet the new management team; other times it is vague. Should the latter be the case, play reporter. Get the inside scoop from event organizers and previous attendees. You can also search online for information about specific groups.

2. What preparation is necessary?
All networking functions require preparation, even if it's just to gas up your car for the drive over. Generally speaking, the higher the stakes, the more you should prepare. Preparedness puts you on a more equal footing with other attendees. It allows you to anticipate discussion topics and thereby formulate thoughtful questions and conversation openers.

3. What is your agenda?
Always walk into a networking function with an agenda, be it to make a key contact or simply have fun. The greater your ability to articulate your agenda, the better able you will be to focus your energy, calm your nerves and achieve your goals.

4. Who will you talk to?
Wherever you go, others like you will follow. Assume, therefore, that you will have something in common with at least one other person in the room, whether it is a mutual acquaintance or someone in your profession. Make a point of finding that one person, even if it means talking to several dozens before you succeed.

5. What's the head count?
Your conversational ability is proportionate to the size crowd in which you feel most comfortable. Knowing how many people will be present will help you develop coping strategies. For example, if large crowds (or for that matter small crowds) scare you, arrange to meet a colleague at a particular place or time.

6. What's the setting?
All networking takes place somewhere. Knowing where increases your comfort level because you can visualize yourself within it. Most often you can get set-up information from the host or previous attendees. You can also make educated guesses based on crowd size. The smaller the space, the greater the intimacy or more focused the interaction.

7. What's the worst-case scenario?
Everyone bombs occasionally, and so will you. There's an upside to negative thinking, however: It allows you to plan your recovery. Having a game plan takes the edge off your fears; you'll know what to do or say should you make a fool of yourself.

Finally, while you're drawing up plans, plan to have fun. Identify at least one thing you will gain from the networking function. Perhaps you will enjoy the setting, meeting new people or learning about an interesting topic. Perhaps you will simply enjoy being wined and dined, meaning you won't have to cook that evening (or wash the dishes). See—networking does have its advantages!

Beth Mende Conny is the founder of ArtofSchmooze.com and the author of more than four dozen books and collections, including her latest books, The Confident Schmoozer and What to Say When Talking to Yourself. She is based in the Washington, D.C., area, where she conducts workshops and training sessions for corporations, associations and community organizations. She can be contacted at Beth@ArtofSchmooze.com.

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