You Don’t Have to Work the Room. Start With One Conversation.

By Dr. LaToyia Session

You pull into the parking lot for a networking event. You check your appearance, grab your things, and then sit there for a minute.

“Am I going to know anybody?” “What am I supposed to say?” “Is everybody going to try to sell me something?”

If that sounds familiar, you’re probably not the only person in that parking lot having that conversation with yourself.

Walking into a room full of people can feel uncomfortable, even when you’re confident in what you do. Knowing your business and knowing how to introduce yourself to a stranger are two different things.

But you don’t have to become the loudest person in the room to make a meaningful connection. You can start with one conversation.

Take some pressure off your introduction

Sometimes we put so much pressure on explaining what we do that we forget to have a conversation.

You don’t need to squeeze your entire résumé, every service you offer, and your five-year plan into your introduction. Give someone a place to start.

“Hi, I’m LaToyia. I serve as executive director of Tyler Metro Chamber of Commerce. I help connect businesses with people, resources, and opportunities to grow.”

Then leave room for the other person.

A simple introduction gives people something to ask about. And if you stumble over a word? Keep going. You’re meeting a person, and they’ve probably stumbled through an introduction before, too.

Come with a little curiosity

“What do you do?” is a perfectly good question. But stay long enough to hear more than a job title.

Try asking:

• “What brought you out tonight?”

• “What are you working on that you’re excited about?”

• “What do you wish more people knew about your business?”

• “What kind of connections would be helpful to you right now?”

That last question can open up a good conversation. Someone may need a photographer, a place to host an event, a resource for their employees, or an introduction to somebody you already know.

You may have something helpful to offer before either of you ever does business together.

What should you bring?

Yes, bring your business cards. Have your digital contact information ready, too. If someone asks how to find you, make it easy.

But a little preparation beyond your contact information helps:

Bring a simple way to explain your work. Think about who you help and how you help them. Say it in words you would actually use in conversation.

Bring one intention. Maybe you want to meet two new people, learn about another local business, or introduce yourself to someone outside your industry. Give yourself something manageable.

Bring a way to remember people. After a conversation, make a quick note in your phone about what you discussed. “Owns a catering company; interested in community events” will mean more tomorrow than a name you can’t place.

And bring some room in your plans for a connection you didn’t expect.

Be open to the person outside your circle

It’s comfortable to find someone you know and spend the whole evening catching up. I understand that. Familiar faces make a room feel easier.

Enjoy those conversations. Then make room for somebody new.

Invite someone standing nearby to join you. Ask a person you came with to introduce you to someone they know. If you’re attending alone, let a host know it’s your first time and ask for an introduction.

And don’t decide too quickly who is worth meeting based on their title or industry.

A hairstylist and a nonprofit leader might find a way to support a community event. A restaurant owner and a trainer might discover an opportunity to work together. Someone who will never need your service may know exactly who does.

You won’t know if the conversation never happens.

Give the connection somewhere to go

A good conversation can get lost in a busy week.

If you said you would send a resource, send it. If you offered an introduction, follow through. If you enjoyed meeting someone, tell them.

Your follow-up can be simple:

“It was good meeting you at the Business Networking Exchange. I enjoyed hearing about your business and the project you’re working on. I’d love to stay connected.”

If there’s a reason to continue the conversation, be specific. Suggest a brief call or coffee. Share the information you discussed.

You don’t have to force a partnership after one meeting. Give people time to get to know you and give yourself time to get to know them.

There’s room for you at the Exchange

At Tyler Metro Chamber of Commerce, our monthly Business Networking Exchange welcomes our members and the community to connect, learn, and meet new people.

Come whether you’re comfortable making introductions or still practicing yours in the car. Come ready to talk about your business, but also ready to hear what somebody else is building.

You don’t have to leave with a stack of business cards for the evening to count. One helpful conversation is a good reason to come back.

Join us at our next Business Networking Exchange, and share this with the person who keeps saying, “I need to get out and meet more people.”

We’d love to meet you.