When it comes to networking, what do you do when it becomes time to move along?
Last week's edition of Etiquette Awareness was about the length of your conversation when meeting new people ... how long is too long, what to look and listen for from the other person, and recognizing how you feel. Read it here.
I received a great follow-up question to that newsletter: "Once you've ended that conversation, and you look around, and everyone is in pairs or groups, what do you do? When is it okay to join another conversation?"
As you step away from the person you have been conversing with (having closed the conversation in a friendly, courteous manner), look for someone standing alone. This is a great person to connect with, and to do so, simply walk over, extend your hand for a handshake, and introduce yourself. You are now in a new conversation.
Another alternative is to look for a group of two or more people who look to be involved in a general discussion; be sure to avoid those who are deep in a private conversation. How do you tell the difference? Watch body language. In general discussion, people tend to stand in an open position (shoulders and feet opening into the room). Eyes may be scanning the crowd, and facial expressions are relaxed. In a private conversation, people will stand face to face, focusing on the discussion and each other to the exclusion of what may be happening around them.
So now that you have decided which group you are going to approach, how do you do so? Again, simply walk over, introduce yourself, and say "May I join you?" Think about it -- what are they going to say, no?
(If they do, it's not a group you want to join anyway!)
It's just that easy ... all you have to do is ask!
