The most valuable thing you can do in a networking situation is pay attention. Not just to the people you are engaging, but to your surroundings. The short list of things that comprise this concept:
- Listening and hearing.
- Speaking carefully and sparingly.
- Focusing.
- Being aware of your time without being distracted.
Listening and hearing are two different things. Hearing is the physical act; listening is taking in the content and making sense. Make sure you know the difference.
Choose your words carefully. Speaking when spoken to is less about waiting your turn and more about being sure that what you say in response to a question or in a dialogue is clear, in context and appropriate for the situation. And be sure and take your turn, be polite and don’t interrupt.
By making eye contact you ensure that you are focusing on to whom you are speaking. Making eye contact is both the most important thing you can do to make sure you listening while at the same time it shows courtesy and respect to the person you are talking with.
Not to have it be a distraction, but you do need to be aware of your time when you are at an event. It is a keen balancing act, but we all need to practice it.
The only way you can capitalize on your networking time is to listen and pay attention. Doing it takes work. POractice makes perfect.
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