Networking in the Change Room: 5 Ways to Network Effectively While Getting Undressed
There's a time and place to network with people in order to generate leads, build rapport and form meaningful relationships. The change room at your gym, spa or country club isn't one of them. It's a lousy place to do any networking. Things dangle, imperfections are visible and being naked means that you're vulnerable. If the person is a yapper, you're stuck listening to him since you won't be able to scurry away to your car in your birthday suit. If the person is a looker, you may feel embarassed asking her to keep her eyes focused on your own. If you bump into someone you've been trying to get in touch with, and he's standing in front of you half-naked, here's some tips to remember to avoid embarrassment. Don't stare. At a networking event, it's perfectly fine to look at what someone's wearing and even comment on how they look. In the change room, this is a no-no. Whether the person has a mole on their butt or a rash on their thigh, resist the temptation of eyeing that spot. Also, never ask how they got it. Instead, glance at the spot quickly, then return your focus to the person's eyes.Keep your eyes at eye level. While networking, it's common for people to make eye contact then let their eyes fall down to your chest area to read your name tag. Don't do this in the change room. Nothing is more embarassing then dropping your eyes to scan the person in their birthday suit. Your best bet is to pretend the person is wearing a full body chastity suit and that you can't see anything below the his or her neck. Don't have a long chat. At a networking event, it's okay to engage people for at least 5-minutes to find out who they are and how you can help them. In the change room, people are often not in the business frame of mind. For example, someone at the gym is there to workout and may need to get back to office quickly. Someone at the spa is there to relax and has left the office at the office. If you must chat, keep it very pleasant and very short. Then, promise to follow-up by email or phone later in the day. Resist the handshake. In a normal networking situation, shaking hands is proper business etiquette. However, while in the change room, resist the urge to stick out your hand. The person may have hair gel, body lotion or some other goopy substance all over their fingers. The last thing you want to do is stand there after a handshake with something wet drying all over your fingers as you chat. Instead, simply wave hello, keep your distance and just smile.Don't ask "Why are you here?" This is a normal question at a networking event. People are dying to know what you're looking for so they can help you. In the change room, asking that question is either stating the obvious or can be awkward. If you're at the gym, assume they're working out. If the person's at the doctor's office, most likely they have a medical condition that they'd prefer to discuss with their doctor. If you must ask questions, try asking about the family, a recent vacation or what they're reading these days and stay away from asking about the obvious.
Networking in the change room can happen, just remember how to do it effectively to avoid an awkward encounter. Keep your eyes level, resist the urge to touch and you'll soon learn that networking while undressed can be rewarding to the growth of your business. Leesa Barnes is a networking expert who helps coaches, consultants and solopreneurs avoid cold calling by developing a fearless networking plan. Leesa is author of "Schmooze Your Way to Success: 9 Fearless Networking Tips for the Shy, Timid, Introverted & Just Plain Clueless." Sign up for her free 8-lesson ecourse called "From Clueless to Fearless: Secrets from a Networking Pro" by visiting her website at http://www.schmoozeyourwaytosuccess.com.
Related News
|
 |
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
The Five Step Formula For Getting Prospects to Call You
Are you tired of prospecting for new business?
Networking: What the Heck is a Ryze?
If you're new to the internet marketing club, you may have heard about "Ryze." What is that, you wonder? Ryze refers to the Ryze Business Network at http://Ryze.com.
7 Step Plan To Get Going With Networking
Whether you're an introvert or an extrovert, feel like you have the gift of gab or just don't know how to make small talk, networking know-how is very important for your business success. There is a notion in business that I believe most of us subscribe to that says "all things being equal, people will do business with and refer business to those they know, like and trust." And the key to this is obviously being able to develop relationships.
Unforgettable First Impressions Part 4: Become a Social Gift Giver
Do you ever wonder why single people give flowers, wine, candy or mix CD's on first dates?
Are You in the Relationship Business?
Are you in the relationship business? Of course you are. Everyone who has to work with, deal with, sell to, convince, is! Unless you're on a deserted island, you must connect with, interact, and influence people every single day. Building relationships today mean better business tomorrow.
Which Networking Events Should You Attend?
How does one determine which are the best
events to attend based on one's best customer?
10 Terrific Tips to Talk Your Way to the Top
What is "the top" anyway? According to society, "top" has a significant amount of import as evidenced by the following expressions: top-quality, top-rated, top-dollar, top-grade, top-of-the-line, and of course, top dog. It is relatively safe to assume then that we are a culture that places a premium on having "top" anything. That having been said, the impetus for this article is to present 10 Terrific Tips to Talk Your Way to the Top, wherever that may be for you.
A Vital Habit For Selling Big Ticket Items
I hope the title of this article aroused your curiosity! What could this habit be that will help you sell Big Ticket Items?
Increasing the ROI on Your Networking
Networking requires an investment of time, money and effort. Here are
four ways to be sure your return on that investment is worthwhile.
Putting The Fun Back In Networking
Networking is one of the most important skills a person can attain to be successful... in anything. I only recently realized that people don't know how to do it. Or they are uncomfortable with it and I think to myself are you crazy? Networking has always come natural to me. As a matter of fact, I was networking even before the word or idea became popular among business professionals. Perhaps it was because when I was a kid I would sometimes go along with my Dad on a Saturday on his business route. He was a merchant wholesaler, selling fresh meat to butchers. My Dad was a natural networker in the sense that he could build rapport quickly, he always followed through on what he said he would do, and he knew how to size up an individual in an instant. If alive today, he would just look at me puzzled and say networking, hogwash, what the heck is that, what I do is just plain old-fashioned getting things done.
Joining Industry Specific Organizations Has Many Benefits
Recently, while providing an up-and-coming Virtual Assistant (VA) and small business owner with some start-up information, she asked me a very interesting question, "Why do you and other VA's join organizations?"
Five Stumbling Blocks To Successful Networking And How To Overcome Them
The ability to connect with people is essential to success in any business. Professional networking events present opportunities to interact with others on a personal level and to develop profitable relationships. These occasions are critical for anyone who wants to grow a business or promote a career.
Unforgettable First Impressions Part 2: Its All About Them!
Jean de la Bruyere said, "The great gift of conversation lies less in displaying it ourselves than in drawing it out of others. He who leaves your company pleased with himself and his own cleverness is perfectly well pleased with you."
How to Create an Interest Story for the Press
What makes a good interest story?
62 Ways to MAXIMIZE Your Approachability
If you walk into your local bookstore and pick up any random title on interpersonal communication, the majority of the books will simply remind you to "always be approachable."
Why Bother With Social Networking Sites Like LinkedIn?
Q: I think I understand the value of networking as well as the next businessman, but
for the life of me, I don't really see what sites like LinkedIn, Ryze and Ecademy can
do for me. What's the point of these sites other than just as some sort of digital
popularity contest?
Plan for the Event or Flounder
Rather than being there to eat the food and drink the drinks, planning before attending an event will change your view.
The A-B-Cs of Networking
In the workplace - and when dealing with workplace matters - networking is a powerful tool. And the same is true in personal and social situations, where friends and family can provide you with a great support system, both as you make decisions about change in your life and as you carry them out.
Most of us already have a network, but many of us don't know it, so we don't use it. All of us can have a network, but most of us don't do it, so we can't use it. My recommendation? Build a network of people who can assist you in reaching your goals ? and USE IT!
What Has Networking Got To Do With Joint Ventures?
What has networking got to do with joint ventures? "PLENTY" is the short answer to this question.
Five Steps for Expanding Your Customer Base with Guerilla Networking
As a single company, it is impossible to provide your customers with all the services they desire for every aspect of their life; but with guerilla marketing, you can come close. By partnering with companies that provide different, yet complimentary, services to your business, you can create a network of reliable resources for your customers. In turn, your company will gain credibility and strength from the size and stature of the group.
|
