Art of the Schmooze (Networking Tips)
Do you feel awkward at networking events and uncomfortable making new connections? Do you miss opportunities to build relationships with new donors, community members and colleagues because you don’t know the best way to approach them at events? Do you have trouble ending conversations so you can keep circulating? We will cover the basics of how to work a room, from having the right tools to knowing the best approach to engage prospective donors and collaborators while cultivating community support.
details
- when: saturday, may 29th, 2010, from 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
- to attend: Please see the info page for more information on attending any of the workshops at the 2010 Boston Skillshare.
- facilitated by: Robbie Samuels
lesson plan
Name tags will be provided for each attendee as they enter the room.
After reviewing the following we'll break for 5-10 minutes of practice and then come back together for a final Q&A - with an emphasis on answers coming from fellow attendees not just the facilitator.
TOOLS:
* Upbeat attitude
* Firm hand shake/Eye contact
* Business cards/Flyers
* Pen
* Elevator speech
BEFORE YOU GO TO THE EVENT
Research. Who will be there?
Plan. Who do you want to meet?
Set goals. Meet 3 new people.
Reconnect with 3 you’ve met before.
AS YOU WALK IN…
Deep breath. Smile!
Get pumped! Opportunity awaits.
AT THE EVENT
Meet/Greet. The organizer/host/honoree.
Get in line. Food table or bar – easy place to start a casual conversation.
Keep moving. 5-10 minute conversations then back to mingling.
Take breaks. Check in with friends throughout the night to regroup.
Get introduced. Who do you know that can help you meet others?
Don’t blanket. It’s not quantity, it’s quality that counts.
Approach. Groups of 3 or more. Not couples in an animated conversation. Croissants vs. Bagels.
THE CONVERSATION
Say hello. Shake hands, say your name and affiliation.
Ask questions. People like to talk about themselves.
Listen. Don’t fidget or scan crowd. Be present.
Offer. Connect them to a resource or a personal connection.
Pitch. How do you want them to stay connected with you?
Exchange cards. Jot down what you discussed or a specific follow-up.
Wrap up. Excuse yourself or introduce them to someone else.
Then Follow up. Within 48 hours is best. Not 4 weeks later.
CONVERSATION STARTERS
Hello, my name is…
I recognized your name and wanted to introduce myself…
Talk about the organization or cause.
Discuss venue, view, food (stay upbeat, no whining!)
Respond with a question (e.g. oh? Where was it held?)
Have you been active with organization long?
I really like your jacket (necklace, scarf, etc.)
KEEP IT ROLLING
Memorize lines that work for you:
Really! That is so interesting. Tell me more.
It reminds me of…
Discuss current events.
Talk shop.
CONVERSATION EXIT STRATEGY
Know when to move on (you’re bored, they’re bored, group is dwindling)
Know where you’re headed (bar, food, restroom, another group)
Grip, grin, go.
facilitator experience
Robbie Samuels has extensive fundraising, event planning and community organizing experience. He believes in the philosophy of abundance and shares his skills with seasoned professional fundraisers, non-profit board members, grassroots organizers and volunteers. Since 2005 he's been the Special Events Manager at GLAD and in 2006 he co-founded Socializing for Justice (www.sojust.org) to build a cross-issue progressive movement in Boston. Robbie's been providing this training to all kinds of groups since last year's Boston Skillshare encouraged him to write it up. Visit www.robbiesamuels.com for networking, fundraising and event promotion tips.
intended audience
This highly interactive session will be beneficial for seasoned fundraising professionals, non-profit board members, grassroots organizers and anyone interested in creating welcoming community spaces. All are welcome.
other resources suggested by the facilitator
Each attendee will receive a handout to follow along during the session that will also be useful to share this knowledge with co-workers and co-organizers afterward.