Networking Dinner PREP!
The AHANA Management Academy networking dinner is approaching and the newsletter team would like to polish your tool set!
Q: What is networking?
A: "Networking is the art of building alliances." -www.rileyguide.com
Networking begins way before you think or know it will be helpful. In kindergarten, our parents "networked" at PTA meetings, soccer games and possibly bake sales and field trips.
Q: How does one network?
A: Make the effort to be friendly and open in any social situation and your network will start building itself. However, avoid making cold calls to random folks in the phone book or a company directory.
At the networking dinner, professionals are going out of their way to talk to you making everything a little bit easier. Be ready with some general questions and work from that point to have a memorable conversation.
Some tips for the big day:
1. Look memorable- Wear something distinctive but not outlandish (if outlandish isn't your thing). This can help others remember you later.
2. Participate in group conversations but avoid talking without saying something. A quick but smart question or comment is often more memorable and valuable than a two minute speech on nothing in particular.
3. Do not zone out. Take a genuine interest in what others' say and respond. Half-hearted conversation is not impressive.
Check back again for updates.
Also, the AMA now has a twitter to keep you posted.
Follow AMAatBC and get the latest tweets on upcoming events and last minute changes.
