Did you realize there's a definite correlation between the amount of food you consume at any given networking event and your networking abilities?
Think about your last Chamber function. Did you head straight for the hors d'oeuvre table, pick up a plate, pile it high and consume your fill of delectable goodies? Or, did you take a quick visual survey of the room and move to the center of the largest group of people? If you took the first route, chances are while you were consuming cheese cube after cheese cube, your more successful counterparts were drumming up some new business by talking shop with other members. On the other hand, if you were the confident networking dude (or dude-ess) taking the bull by the horns and moving right in, you'll probably keep your body weight in control but your card file will be much heavier by the end of the night. After all, talking to those business people (instead of eating) will provide you with a nice little collection of business cards to add to your database and to use for your next mail campaign. It will add weight to your wallet or purse. That's the smart way to pack on the pounds.
If you're moving around the room and talking to people, you won't have any time to eat. Of course, it's perfectly OK to hold a glass of wine. Not only does it taste good and give you a little self-confidence (if you're lacking), it also gives you something to do during those brief lulls in the conversation with your latest associate. In addition, sipping is more attractive and less obtrusive than chewing and spewing food while trying to discuss your latest product or service with a prospect. And WHO can manage to hold both a plate and a glass while exchanging business cards at the same time? Maybe a contortionist…
To succeed at networking and win new clients or customers, avoid the refreshments table at any business event. By staying away from the food and remaining out in front with the
competition, you'll win more business, impress new associates and succeed in increasing and sharpening your networking skills. Fewer appetizers correlate to more networking. Decreased snacking equals increased contacts. Now that's a formula for success!
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