Take Our Quiz
Pricing

5 Quick Tips For More Confident Networking

Ariella Coombs
November 14, 2016

Networking with strangers can be a terrifying experience for many people, especially when it's in-person. What do you say? What if you're awkward? What if you don't make a good first impression? Related: 9 Tips For Becoming A Successful Networker Don't worry - prepare! Check out these quick tips for more confident networking from Adam LoDolce, founder of SexyConfidence.com:

1. Know How To Break The Ice

Struggling for ice breakers? Instead of trying to memorize one-liners, keep things simple. "A simple 'Hello, my name is ___' is more than sufficient if said with a smile," said LoDolce. "Or, my favorite, 'So, what brings you here?'"

2. Get Warmed up

Don't start batting without a few practice swings! Make sure you talk to a few people before you hit up your main target - it will ease your nerves and make you feel more comfortable. "The moment you walk into the room, just start chatting it up with someone to warm up a bit," LoDolce suggested. "Before you know it, you'll feel comfortable chatting up the big time CEO across the room."

3. Be Aware Of Your Body Language

Did you know that 93% of communication is non-verbal? In order to give off a positive impression, LoDolce suggests doing the following:
  • Don't cross your arms
  • Keep a strong smile all night long
  • Hold strong eye contact
Feel weird keeping eye contact? Try just staring at the bridge of the other person's nose instead.

4. Ask Great Questions

"If you are uncomfortable doing the talking, then ask interesting and thought provoking questions," LoDolce suggested. Here's an example: "Oh, you're an architect? What's it like building something that you know will be around for hundreds of years?"

5. Have Fun

Whenever you attend a networking event, above all else, focus on having a good time. People will be attracted to your good attitude. "If you're enjoying yourself, people will enjoy your company," said LoDolce. And, even if all fails, at least you can say you had a great night! This post was originally published at an earlier date. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
career advice confident networking job search networking tips

How Nike's Data & Analytics Experts Are Changing the Shoe Business

When most people think of Nike, they think of shoes, retail stores, and, of course, athletes. That's all true, but there's more. Behind Nike's walls, you'll find the doers and thinkers who design, create, and innovate every day. There are also data scientists who discover and leverage athlete insights to create the future of sport.

You might be surprised to learn about the impact you can have in Data & Analytics at Nike versus at a major tech giant. Nike employees get to work on a wide array of challenges, so if you're obsessed with math, science, computers, and/or data, and you love sport, these stories may inspire you to work at Nike.

SHOW MORE Show less

90 Percent of Workers Say They Need This 1 Thing to Be Loyal

Employee loyalty is something every company longs for. It's estimated employee turnover costs as much as 130-200% of an employee's salary. When a talented, knowledgeable, trained employee leaves, it's bad for business. And, when lots of them leave, it can be the kiss of death.

SHOW MORE Show less

Here is why we are giving away FREE information on Facebook!

You may have seen the article our Founder and CEO J.T. O'Donnell wrote about why we were choosing to delete our private Facebook Group with 37 THOUSAND members. You're not the only one, Facebook approached us after that was published with an amazing proposition....

SHOW MORE Show less

My Manager Is Holding A Grudge Against Me. Help!

In this week's episode of "Well This Happened", we want to know what you would do if your manager was holding a grudge against. How would you address this with them?

We want YOU to be the career coach and tell us which one is the RIGHT answer!

Think you know? Vote below, and stay tuned for later this week when we announce the right answer (and why the other ones are wrong).

SHOW MORE Show less

Here's How To Answer A Job Interview Question When You Don't Know The Answer

If you saw our first video, you might have heard about the interview situation one of our viewers, Remi submitted. He was in an interview and was asked the question: How many cows are there in Canada right now? - What a weird question but this is a technique that some hiring managers are using these days.

SHOW MORE Show less

What? Asked A Question During an Interview & I Didn't Know The Answer!

In this week's episode of "Well This Happened", we want to know what you would do if you were asked a question in a job interview and you didn't know the answer!

We want YOU to be the career coach and tell us which one is the RIGHT answer!

Think you know? Vote below, and stay tuned for later this week when we announce the right answer (and why the other ones are wrong).

SHOW MORE Show less

Excuse Me?! Here's How To Handle A Boss Who Micro-Manages You To An EXTREME

If you saw our first video, you might have heard about the awkward situation one of our viewers, Kevin submitted. He is a college student who's working a part time job to make ends meet. The manager/owner of the company has become a micro-manager who watches him work on camera and reads his company emails. A bit over the top wouldn't you say?

SHOW MORE Show less

Talk About Relaxing! Check Out These Companies That Have An Amazing #GameRoom!

All work and no play can create a tense and unwelcoming environment. Studies have shown that employers that offer additional perks have employees that are happier and more loyal to their place of employment. If you are looking for an employer that acknowledges how important it is to give its employees a place to de-stress and bond with their co-workers, check out these companies!

SHOW MORE Show less

Awkward! Company Owner Watches Me On Camera & Reads My Emails

In this week's episode of "Well This Happened", we want to know what you would do if you worked for an owner who micro-manages you my watching you work on camera and reading through your company emails.

We want YOU to be the career coach and tell us which one is the RIGHT answer!

Think you know? Vote below, and stay tuned for later this week when we announce the right answer (and why the other ones are wrong).

SHOW MORE Show less

With Offices In 49 Countries, People All Over The World Can Work For Nike

Can you imagine working for a brand like Nike that's represented all over the world? Sport is a huge part of people's lives, and Nike is expanding its office locations so people from across the globe can bring the brand to life. Nike hires people specializing in a wide array of backgrounds to support its offices in 49 different countries.

SHOW MORE Show less

How To Overcome Age Discrimination

Do you think you're facing age discrimination or ageism in your job search? Do you feel like no one is hiring you because you're older than the competition? You're not alone with these feelings. However, there's some important things you need to know if you want to overcome this challenge...

Okay, so first, I want to tackle a HUGE misconception about age discrimination in the workforce.

SHOW MORE Show less

Career Changers: Tips For Successfully Changing Careers

Changing careers can be a stressful and daunting task that seems almost impossible at times. Whether it's not knowing what career path to take, what skills to leverage or lacking experience, changing careers isn't easy.

During our weekly live Office Hours on YouTube, two of our coaches, Ariella Coombs and J.T. O'Donnell, answer questions live from viewers related to their job search, career success, on the job situations and more.

We complied a simple list of what we find to be the most common questions our coaches get about career change. We hope you find this helpful.

Here are the answers to some common questions around changing careers...


SHOW MORE Show less