#3 - Skip the Cherry Tomatoes or Working a Networking Event

How many times do you find yourself coming to a networking event ALONE and trying to figure out who is worth your time?


Two nights ago I found myself at the the National Press Club for a college ALUMNI networking event. A panel of journalists (also alumni) from several big news outlets --which I won't name-- was assembled to discuss election coverage so far.

Usually, alumni NETWORKING EVENTS can be a toss up, either a career changing moment or a total waste of time.

I didn't expect the the CAREER changing moment, but actually an intelligent and lively discussion. As usual there was a pre-event reception.

The free beverages, CRUDITES and hors d'oeuvres are a good filler after a long day, especially when you're on a budget. Beware of slippery CHERRY TOMATOES though. You'll chase them around your plate with your fork until they slip off and roll along the floor. CARROT STICKS can also be impenetrable to your fork forcing you to use your fingers while everyone else is handily using their forks.

With my club soda and lemon, I was ready to mingle and scanned the room. There were a few circles. As I sipped and sized up those in the room, I planned my strategy.


WALL FLOWERS like me don't step into the middle of a conversation -- especially when the conversants are exuding an air of "I'm successful and you're not" and purposefully avoiding eye contact.

There are the other LONERS who hover around the bar or cling to the food displays. They may have great personalities and are worth reaching out to but I wouldn't start with them perchance they cling to you for the rest of the night.

The best approach is waiting until someone is close to you and their guard is down, like after they've just taken a bite of food that may not have been as neat as they expected. Stick your hand out and greet them. You are in a POSITION OF POWER and can use that as an entry point.

You already have something in common, since you've attended the same school. You can build on that with a 'what did you study' or 'what are you doing now question?' Within the first 30 seconds, it's easy to tell whether you have enough CHEMISTRY to keep talking. If that SPARK is not there move on. If it is, keep building and you'll be surprised at how quickly others will join your conversation.