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| Forum3 Launches How To Network In The Masses Guide London, 6th October, 2008 forum3, the forum and event for not-for-profit recruitment, today launches a best practice networking guide in advance of its event on October 10 where 15,000 people from the Third Sector will gather. Knowing how to network can quickly turn into a job lead or a future contact. On the other hand failing to network can as easily result in losing a potential employer. In order to help people make a great impression, forum3 has outlined the 11 core principles for becoming a networking extraordinaire. Ranging from how to prepare and introduce yourself to choosing the right dress code and making the best follow-up call. The guide has something for everyone attending any event, large or small. A snapshot of the top 11 tips: Be prepared – Ask yourself what you want to get out of the event, who you want to meet and which not-for-profit organisation you'd like to learn more about. Check out that all-important exhibitor list. Plan your intro – Can you introduce yourself in 60 seconds without sounding like you're reading from a script? The beginning of a conversation is when you make the most important impression but also when you are most nervous. Rehearse this part well. The small print – bring a CV and make sure it's not last years; but yesterday's. If you have business cards, bring them – and use them. Bag the information – You will be offered a mountain of information at all the stands and it's heavy and hard to carry without a bag. Also, bring a pen and notepad so you can write down that vital mobile phone number from a prospect. Dress the part – Know your audience. A suit and tie might be too conservative but it's unlikely anyone will respect you if you turn up in battered jeans, mucky t-shirt and muddy trainers. Be yourself – real networking is about being genuine and authentic. forum3 is a wide and diverse meeting place and there are opportunities for a great variety of people with a range of skills. Ask questions – this is when you find out information that could help you change your life. It's an opportunity to make a judgement on the prospective employers and voluntary organisers too. Sing about your achievements – in a crowded venue you need to stand out. When asked about your job or skills talk about what you've achieved not just what the tasks were. Who you talk to – it's not just the people on the stands that have something to teach you: everyone at forum3 has a shared interest in not-for-profit. Cover the ground – make sure you don't get stuck in one place and miss opportunities around the corner: maximise your time. Follow up – prepare time the next day or week to follow up with the people you met. Exhibitors will talk to hundreds of people during the event, so you may need to remind them how keen you are. Deborah Hockam, director of forum3 said, "For some people, speaking to someone they don't know can be terrifying and networking does not come naturally to everyone. Events are unique places to make new contacts and talk to people about important issues that can make a difference in their life and careers." "Our upcoming event will give attendees 15,000 opportunities to network and we want to make sure people take full advantage of this. This is why we have created this guide to help overcome any fears and make those who are already good at networking even better." write your comments about the article :: © 2008 Exhibition News :: home page |