In my last article, I discussed the serious issue of how to maximize opportunity during networking events. It was a detailed look at how to better connect with people to achieve your career goals, and I highly recommend you read it. B warned: This is not that kind of article. Instead, I’m focusing on something more fun; the lessons I learned on how to negotiate networking events that don’t involve impressing people.
Arrive Early
One of the saddest things I see at networking parties is too few drink stations. Conference organizers hosting open bars realize the more drinks they serve, the more money that costs. (And no, I didn’t get a degree in economics, but thanks for appreciating my keen financial insight on this issue) That means there’s always a dearth of bars. And worse, long lines keeping you from working the room. Be sure to arrive before the crowds to get that adult beverage or two (and some water!), or get stuck in lines longer than the ones for Space Mountain.
Inspect Food Stations
After grabbing that drink, but before getting into conversation, it’s essential to scout the room to scope out the food stations, and create a meal plan. The last thing you want to do is settle for the pasta only to discover the carved meat session when you’re full. Never miss the carved meat station.
Eat in a Corner
There’s nothing worse than stuffing a peel and eat shrimp down your gaping maw, only to have that person you’re trying to impress walk by and look at you. Rather than hide you shame under a slathering of cocktail sauce, just hide in a corner and eat away from the crowd. This ensures no one sees you, and you have the double satisfaction of knowing you’ve saved your dignity and can enjoy your food in peace.
Never Eat and Drink At Same Time
There’s lots of standing in ever shifting groups at cocktail parties, making holding food in one hand and a glass in the other awkward and weird. If you reach for the food with that drinking hand, your wine spills. If someone says hello and you shake hands, then you’re precariously balancing a plate of hors d’oeuvres and drink in the same hand. Mostly of the time you just sit there, hands full, neither eating or drinking. Very sad. Now, I’d tell you to sit down, but there’s never ever enough cocktail rounds or tables around. And if there’s an empty space, it’s typically piled high with the leftover detritus from whomever was there before. Avoid this mess altogether and just eat OR drink.
Handling Passed Hors d’oeuvres
Remember, only take an hors d’oeuvre when your hands are free. First, grab a napkin or two, and stuff an extra one in your pocket. Then take that delectable treat on a tray. If it’s on a stick or in a spoon, eat it quick and return it to the server. Now you’ve had a treat and that extra napkin will come in handy when you shake a hand with sticky food remnants. Oh, it happens.
Bonus Tip: The Sushi Factor
In my business, I’ve learned a great way to tell the strength of your industry is by the types of food being served at industry cocktail events. Sushi in particular has become an outstanding barometer. The type of sushi being served equates to how well a particular industry is doing. It’s like this: Lots of assorted pieces and creative rolls, the industry is flying sky high. Only a couple types of sushi pieces and California rolls, the industry is on a downslide. Nary a piece of fish to be found, but lots of vegetable rolls? Time to panic, we’re in a recession.
Good luck incorporating these essential tips into your networking life. I find them to be nearly as valuable as the networking itself. Oh, who am I kidding? These tips are much more important.