Being trapped in a room with a bunch of strangers, mediocre finger food, and a pocket full of business cards is no one’s idea of a good time. But they’re a necessary evil, and can lead to new contacts and new business.
Here are a few pro tips to make the whole thing a little more bearable:
1. Obey the rule of two. We’ve all gotten stuck in a one-on-one conversation, no exit in sight. So target a group of two and strike up a conversation. It’s the one time third wheels are welcome.
2. Be an early bird. It may be fashionable to be late, but when you arrive early, you get to meet people as they come in and introduce them to each other later on. Being a facilitator makes you look cool, calm, and connected.
3. Don’t be a Debbie Downer. OK, so maybe the wine is low-grade and the crowd is lame. Try keeping the negativity to yourself. Nothing alienates a potential business contact like throwing too much shade.