I have a friend who is a master networker. Literally, he works a room like a bad politician who can’t remember all his pork barrel commitments, flitting from one group to another, thrusting his hand out and saying, “Hi, I am Harvey MacKay,” (OK, he’s not actually Harvey MacKay, but you get the point.)
He knows everyone. And everyone knows him.
Most of us are too shy to be quite so brazen. We go through daily interactions, and never once stop to make small conversation or introduce ourselves.
Here is what I did a few days ago. I drive thru for coffee most mornings on the way to work. Each day, the same woman helps me. She is Hispanic and appears to be very nice, always smiling, etc.
So, the other day, I said to her, “every day, I drive thru here, I’d like to be able to greet you by name, if that is ok.” She beamed and gave me her name….and now, when I drive thru, I just say “thanks, Maria.”
I feel good about my little networking moment. So, introduce yourself…and bring some smiles to those around you.
5 users commented in " Practice Your Networking Skills. Step One, Introduce Yourself. "
Great idea—basic human contact—-and not just for monitary gain.
This is one of your positive simple ideas that I will give a try.
Most of us can’t be a Harvey, but now at least I can be a GL—LOL
Thanks Mike…
Oh no, Mike. I don’t know that the world can take another GL. Anyway, I had the opportunity to spend some quality time with my father a couple weeks ago at the Reno Air Races. For those of you who aren’t familiar, there were three deaths at this year’s air races and they threatened to cancel the event (they didn’t cancel Nascar when Dale hit the wall, but I digress…). My father has this habit of walking up to people that he wants to deal with or talk to, right hand extended and says “Hi. My name is Ed Moore. How are you today?” They know him so well at Lowe’s in Texas they call him “special Ed” (OK, he likes to get a good deal, ALLright?) He is also wonderful with waitresses, anyone waiting on him, and anyone who makes eye contact. Really opened my eyes to what an open, up-front guy he is. And no one thought he was weird. And everyone knew his name. Now you do, too.
[...] Practice Your Networking Skills. Step One, Introduce Yourself – a very concise article to start networking by having the courage to introduce yourself. [...]
Very nice I`m Marcy and that had the old fashion way of saying Hello Look me up on merchantcircle that is where I`m Learning to network
Thanks marcy
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