No one to talk to!

7/9/08

I was with a member recently (they had been in their chapter for a couple of months) and they were saying that they weren't really sure what to do because a few times they had found themselves with no one to talk to during the open networking part of the meeting. Everyone seemed to be deep in conversation and they didn't feel that they could butt in so they just got a coffee and hoped.

Well, the first thing that struck me was what were the Visitor Hosts doing? At every meeting Visitor Hosts should be looking for people that somehow have ended up on their own - not just actual visitors but members too (and of course Substitutes). There is nothing worse than being left on your own at any event and all members should look out for people who have become isolated.

Then, of course, there is the Networking Skills workshop. This will not only teach you how to network but also give you tips on how to make yourself feel more comfortable in a room of people you don't know - including how to spot a group that you can easily join.

But, one simple thing that you can try at your next meeting is this: when you have got your coffee, rather than stand around the coffee table hoping that someone might come and find you, instead take your coffee and make your way to the Sign-In desk. Then, when people arrive, welcome them and walk with them to the coffee table - and have something ready to say. Something more than a weather report - maybe something that you have heard on the news about their industry or if there was something in particular that they looking for at the moment. Could you help?

You never know, you might find you really start to enjoy yourself and are never left without someone to talk to again.

In short - I suppose I am saying act like a Visitor Host!