For everyone who struggles with the concept of networking, the NCAA Tournament known as March Madness might just be the perfect opportunity for you to start up great conversations and build rapport.
Building relationships keeps your career successful whether you are between jobs or happily employed. Similarly, college alumni groups are perfect settings for catching up and sharing work information. Sporting events are ideal situations to network in a natural way that’s based on comradeship rather than a formal meeting.
Your most powerful connections often happen when you least expect them and informal settings such as watching games and rooting for teams create an atmosphere that is less threatening than an office environment. The key to networking is staying alert and watching for opportunities where you can start a conversation.
While sporting events can be loud and full of energy, don’t minimize the impact of brief conversations. Never underestimate the power of small talk, it leads to receptivity and indicates a desire to continue talking. Small talk leads to stronger rapport later down the road.
Making the most of March Madness requires some pre-planning and broadening your view of networking. Networking often gets a bad rap when others are disingenuous; however, it is the glue that keeps you connected with friends and opens the door for new contacts.
Here are some tips to keep in mind while you are enjoying the games and developing rapport:
• If you are shy about meeting new people, bring a friend along; the buddy system helps with introductions and starting conversations.
• Be ready to introduce yourself; it is much easier to strike up a discussion on a first name basis.
• Building rapport always includes good questions combined with listening skills. Monopolizing conversations never leads to exchanging ideas.
• When talking with others listen between the lines for key words, implied messages and possible conversation topics.
• Bring business cards to exchange for following up and continuing the conversation.
• When ending the conversation, ask “What’s the best way to stay in touch with you?” Following up plays a significant role in developing rapport and skipping this step could jeopardize your efforts in building relationships.
• Be confident and expect to have positive conversations. If you feel desperate for a career change, don’t act like it. Instead, focus on the conversation at hand with an interest in the other person’s background.
What makes networking at informal settings such as sporting events more natural versus planned meetings? What are the pros and cons?
