from Brazen Careerist by
Tell Me: Have you ever strolled into a networking event casually late only to find that everyone is already there and it's more awkward now because you're late so you fill in your stupid "Hello, My Name Is:" name tag and try to casually scan the room as if you know lots of people (who are you kidding?) and you're deciding who's the lucky schmo that gets to talk to you first but then you end up standing there checking your phone for messages you know aren't there (loser) and feeling your pockets as if you forgot something (liar) but of course you didn't (they know) because you've been waiting for this great event for weeks and then you realize that a few people are glancing at you wondering who this lame-o is arriving late and they begin to realize you actually don't know anyone except for the short social-outcast attacking the cheese platter like a caveman would a drumstick so you're then self-conscious and need a drink pronto but have to walk through the sea of onlookers to get to the bar which is terrifying because now they might say something and you have no ability to say something that anyone cares to hear? Me too.
In every group, there are people who are always sought out and seem to constantly be the center of attention. They appear to know everyone there, and you can witness people introducing themselves to this person all night. The king or queen of the party. How do they do it?
It's simpler than you might think – they have a lot to offer. In high school and early college, it was who got the most attention from the opposite sex. Now, it's about who can offer you the most in life. The people at these events are not necessarily the best looking or the richest, but they know the right people. It takes time and effort to know all of the right people, but you can accelerate your progress if you do the right things.
Be a Match Maker
"Dave, have you met Steve? Steve works at Mammoth Financial. And Steve, I think I heard you're working on your MBA?"
That was your acquaintance Joe, catapulting you into the networking fray and potentially making a connection for you that could change your life. Whether you immediately realize it or not, your view of Joe just changed. Not only does he know people, he's willing to selflessly introduce you to them. You may even feel like you owe Joe a favor, and will try to figure out how to repay him. Joe is no longer an acquaintance (at least in your eyes) – he's a friend, and an ally.
How would you like someone to feel that way about you? How would you like to have people go to the same events as you and want to go out of their way to help you? Heck, after doing something like this for them, you don't even have to be shy coming right out and asking them for an introduction. Like Bush's political capital, you've got networking capital.
Commit to making at least one connection at each of your next several events. Before you know it you'll have an army of loyal followers. Post a comment below and let me know how it goes!
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