How to predict the future? To make the best of an event plan tweet early the network? Have you ever attended an event and seeing all the people gravitating towards the food and the drinks? These amenities are the first thing people seem to go for? Well, it's natural, especially if you're there alone and do not know anyone. The food and drink seems to be there for comfort.

However, it is really difficult to talk with your multiples, so if you can stay away from that food, you can certainly go and get a drink, you can still pitch with a drink in your hand. Remember to eat first, go early to the event and then network. before you head off to an event. Take a look at your calendar. This is part of the preparation you need to do beforehand. You will need to know from memory when you're working For a follow up appointment, then you can make a date.

And no there is no conflict with other items on your calendar. Nothing is worse than setting an appointment and finding out you already scheduled someone else in at that time slot. It may seem like a good excuse for a follow up, but it usually does not bode well with potential clients. Use your smartphone to keep track of appointments. You do not want to partake of any conversation with someone who is whining about some guy that never gets anything straight. Just remember you are at the event for one purpose and one purpose only to gain new business relationships and be as visible as possible.

You should also work on techniques for easing politely into conversations without interrupting the flow of information. barging in and being rude, however accidentally, will not serve your purpose. Have you ever gone to an event not worn the correct attire Part of planning for an event, seeing who will be attending is also to research the nature of the event. Does the weather have an effect on those who attend? Does the required dress have an effect on where it is held? Who will be leading the event?

And how are they regarded? What attitude does the event portray? It comes down to knowing your audience and researching the event before you attend and dressing properly, and having a good time. Know where you're going to predict the future. We have to know what to wear for maximum impact. I have done some research and found a number of items that will help us so let's talk about three things as we go through this slide.

First, planning your attire. deciding whether it's attention or notice ability that we're after. And then finally persuading with flair in fashion. We all want to dress to impress. So when you're planning your outfit, pick something professional. You won't make an impression, at least not a good one if you look disheveled, disorganized, or overly casual, but also pick something that makes you feel good, maybe something new that you've just purchased for yourself, such as a new pair of shoes.

Just remember, networking is not an interview. And once outside the office, the strict rules of dress code no longer apply. If you're left on your own to overdress and look like you don't belong or under dress, like you'll never belong, that that's exactly what will happen. If you're not sure what everyone will be wearing. Ask. So you won't be the only one without a suit.

When in doubt, business casual is your best bet. But the close call could be anything. From a tuxedo to jeans networking outside the office with more focus on culture and entertainment is also a perfect opportunity to be more fashion forward and express yourself. It's not a free pass to put on those glittery things that you've worn in the past, but you can wear favorite colors. accessories are also extremely important. But best of all, you need to wear a smile.

So let's take a look at some of the scenarios that could happen to you and what you should wear lunch with a connected friend. Well right away. That connected friend is trying to push a new venture he's considering it is likely business attire, I would suggest you want to be dressed to impress, but to formal sends the impression that you were too eager and don't respect the social aspect of the meeting. In other words, the goal is to play it cool while looking casually sharp. The rule here were business casual with an emphasis on the casual. Now, cocktail parties that is another networking event, these are usually celebrations with a group of friends or colleagues.

And it's usually for a benefit. cocktail parties are perfect excuses for schmoozing and getting to know other people in the area. So the great debate is what to wear. Okay for women, it is the cocktail dress for men. Unfortunately, it's a suit. Now there are also other items such as a weekend barbecue.

I know I quite often get invited to barbecues for some celebration, whether it is publishing a new book, or simply a celebration for the Fourth of July or July 1 in Canada. barbecue is a great chance to meet friends of friends and expand your professional network. But unless you're manning the grill, you need to send the right message the attire for a barbecue. Is weekend casual with an Americana influence. In other words, no crop tops. Stay away from the tank tops, but wear shorts and a nice short sleeve shirt.

Women. Yes, you can wear shorts with a nice top, but keep away from being brash. Now I've talked about a few different things. Our general networking event where you go to schmooze business casual is the only way to go. But all in all, it is still your call. Just be prepared.

Now you're at the event how are you going to talk to strangers and not look foolish? First, you should know the trends. You have to know what's happening and people's industry if you expect to do business with them. Next, you don't want to become outcome dependent. Yes, you were there to network. However, are you there to network and just grab business?

Are you there to form business relationships? don't interpret reactions as rejections, worrying about what other people think is a killer? Do you really care what a stranger thinks about you? If you have done your best to present yourself and take a look at how you're dressed and present and your pitches already, you should have no problem letting people think what they want, because you know, they're going to think the right thing. But have you noticed that you have no trouble opening up with close friends? That's because you know them well.

And you aren't sitting there worrying about what they think of you. It's kind of ironic, we tend to worry about more about what strangers think of us and our close friends but with new people you worried About the impression you're making, you're not sure if the person is going to judge you, or accept you. And so the instinct is to protect yourself by not revealing too much. That is not why you are here at this point in time. Now it's time to relax and get into the conversation and studying closing down. Push yourself to do the opposite.

Be the one to break the small talk by talking about something you're passionate about lead and they will eventually follow. I'm not saying you should respond to the question, how's your day going with a sob story about something that's bothering you and bring up negative talk? What you need to do is reflect back to what you have in your elevator pitch. Talk about the things that are meaningful to you. This is the key talk about meaningful topics. It could be work relationships or experiences, as long as it's something you care about, and consider About with emotion.

If you talk about meaningful topics first, and allow yourself to express the feelings associated with these topics, the other person will feel something too. If you open up, others will as well. What a great way to open up the conversation for your pitch. We all want to connect with other people, we just need to feel safe first. Don't be outcome independent, as we mentioned before, just doing it is what matters. So what does food have to do with it?

Unless you attend a networking, breakfast, lunch or dinner, where it would be rude not to eat the meal being served, you should never eat anything at a networking event. Now, there are some exceptions. I'm referring to the typical morning or evening event where appetizers are being served. There are five reasons why. One, you might spill something on yourself chances Are you will be standing up or trying to eat your appetizers. It's way too easy to spill something on yourself in that situation.

Magnify any apprehension you have by 10. If you want to meet new people with a fresh stain on your shirt, too, you will be distracted. If you're focused on eating and satisfying hunger pangs you will be distracted from speaking to other people. It is also challenging to have a conversation with someone you just met with an A girl in your mouth. Three, you will not be able to shake hands. You have a drink in one hand and the plate and the other.

Unless you're having a third limb it makes it difficult to shake hands when you meet someone for your breath. Definitely will not be fresh. Have you ever talked to someone after they have had eaten a few Swedish meatballs? Yuck. It is not fun. And five, your health will suffer most food at networking events.

Is incredibly unhealthy. crab cakes, fried meat on a stick, egg rolls, fried chicken, all kinds of things nothing appeals to my appetite. Just remember you are at the networking event strictly to build relationships. So eat something one hour before you arrive. Even your health will improve by doing this. Now we're saying don't eat at networking events.

But let me share some advice I've learned over time. Even if you don't eat there, unless the event is specifically breakfast, you're not going to eat or lunch or dinner. However, if you can't have food before you arrive at the event, I suggest arriving early. Looking at the food, eating going off into a corner, get your field, eat, drink or whatever you need to do. Brush your teeth and fresh in your mouth and then get to the event on time, who does often set up ahead of time so you can then take the time to prepare yourself. If anything, because you're hungry, there's an opportunity to grab a bite to eat afterwards.

Perhaps that's the way to do it as well. And ideally with someone you may want to get to know better from the event. As the event is drawing to a close, you can invite people out for a drink and appetizers. Maybe they're hungry as well. Just simply use this as one of your new networking strategies. Now let's talk about how to fill your calendar with meaningful connections.

First, you have to know your goals before you attend the event. Know what your goal is, as far as meetings outside the event will be if you plan on filling five spots on your next week calendar. Make sure you get at least that many meetings. If your goal is to simply find out about the other events, then take time to ask questions about other events. People are asking Heading and make note, whatever your goal, make it one that you can fulfill. Next, let's take a look at preparation.

Getting to the next meeting, one of your goal should be to get to the next meeting with someone you have identified as your target market. This means when you get into conversation with an individual, you will soon learn if there was any potential business for you. Make it a point of asking for the next meeting and scheduling it right on the spot. Do not wait until later. Do it right away, write it down to make sure it is on your schedule. As you do not want to double book most people will have their smartphones and you will be able to add to their schedule immediately.

You do the same. Now at these next meetings, you are going to have to agree about what you want to discuss at the next meeting. As you're making the appointment. Tell them what you want to To know and ask them if there's anything you should bring with you. Being prepared in advance. As well as setting up the meeting will help fill your calendar with meetings that will potentially bring you more business ideas to remember, planning ahead, know your best customer know where they go for events, set specific targets and fill your calendar is needed.

If you scheduled too many events, you will not be able to follow up, get your work done and be available. Be reasonable with the number of events you can reasonably handle. Try two or three a week initially then adjust your calendar so you can handle the time needed for attendance and follow up. So first, we want to take a look at what to wear for maximum impact. Know what kind of event you're attending and dress accordingly. Contact the host and ask what is the most appropriate attire If you are not sure you do not want to look out of place in an event.

You want to look comfortable, try to be noticeable, but not stand out. How to talk to strangers and not look foolish, small talk is the beginning of a conversation. Just know that the other person is also looking to gain more business. lead the conversation into the direction that will give you the most information about the other person. Try not to talk a great deal about yourself. The goal is to understand the other person's needs and business pain.

And what does food have to do with it? Unless you were attending a meal style event, do not eat at the event no matter how good the food looks. If you can't eat ahead of the event, then arrive early. Get to the food table first. Load your plate go to an area where you can eat quietly. Then go back to the event ready to talk and shake hands.

Just remember to brush your teeth and fresh in that breath before you move in. How to fill your calendar with meaningful connections, you're at an event to make business connections and get to the next meeting with prospects. That's best ways to set meetings on the spot using your smartphone. Be sure your calendar is in sync so that you do not double up on your appointments. A full calendar means more business in the future, have many meetings scheduled can lead to more business as long as you are tuned into your tribe, which is the topic of the next lesson.