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7 Ways to Make the Most of Your First Two Minutes With a New Person

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© lculig - Fotolia.com

© lculig – Fotolia.com

Do you ever find yourself in front of a stranger at a networking group, not really sure what to do next?

While networking events may go on for hours, these first few minutes with any one person are the most important. This is your chance to make a positive first impression and create the foundation for a long-lasting and mutually beneficial relationship.

Here are seven things that will get you over your nerves and on to a successful potential partnership.

  1. Start with a good handshake. Firm, without being a bone crusher. You definitely don’t want to be a limpy fish. Look the person in the eye and smile when you shake their hand.
  2. Speak slowly and face the other person. Don’t be looking around the room. They deserve your full attention because you’re trying to build a relationship with them.
  3. Give before you receive. Instead of instantly talking about who you are and what you do, encourage dialogue from the other person. Be inquisitive – nosy even – to ignite a spark that makes them feel comfortable to share more details with you.
  4. Hold back. What you should never do right away is shove your business card or resume into someone’s hands. That is not how to build a relationship.
  5. Be sensitive. Watch for cues from the other person so you don’t take them out of their comfort zone. For example, if someone is more introverted they may prefer to stay in a particular part of the room, or in close proximity to the people they came with. Be aware of personal space.
  6. Inject some humour. This can put yourself and the other person at ease, and can be as simple as a lighthearted comment about the weather. Alternatively, tell a joke if that feels natural to you.
  7. Repeat the person’s name a few times. People love to hear their own name, and it helps you remember it as well. (Hint: If you ever have trouble remembering people’s faces and names, make a few notes on their business card before you move on to meet the next person.)

Practicing these seven tips can improve your confidence and results at networking events. When you make the most of your first two minutes with each new person, those minutes add up and help you grow a stronger network.

Top 5 Personal Branding Mistakes to Avoid During a Job Search

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© Junial Enterprises - Fotolia.com

© Junial Enterprises – Fotolia.com

When you’re looking for a job, you want whoever you’re meeting to see you as a valuable addition to their team, company or project, or to immediately see the value you will bring to someone in their network of influence..

The process of marketing yourself is about creating a personal brand – a summary of what you’re known for, what you stand for, what you’re best at, what you value, and what people can expect from you.

Here are five personal branding mistakes that could sabotage your job search:

  1. Not having a LinkedIn profile photo, or using an inappropriate photo. Use a current headshot (head and shoulder view), where you are well groomed and professionally dressed. There should be no one else in the photo.
  2. Not completing or customizing your LinkedIn profile. Use the LinkedIn wizard that tells you what percentage you’ve completed, and aim for 100%. With a customized profile address (URL), you can easily add it to your resume, cover letter, biography, business card and any other job search marketing collateral..
  3. Dressing inappropriately for in-person meetings  – Dress according to the job you’re after. Conduct due diligence on the potential employer; stand outside the building and watch employees go in and out to see how they’re dressed. Power tip: Do this the day or week before your interview, when you plan your route and practice the drive to make sure you’ll be on time.
  4. Not being able to articulate your personal brand statement in person or over the phone. What makes you so special that the other person should be compelled to choose you? That is your unique promise of value. You get bonus points for a value statement that is 15, 17 or 19 words, since psychologists claim the mind picks up on odd numbers of words faster than even. Articulate this statement verbally and in all written materials.
  5. Showing negativity in conversations, both online and in person. Employers hire positive people; not negative people. If you’re struggling to cope with your anger, disappointment or fear about being out of work, share those feelings with a spouse, friend or coach so they don’t come out in meetings with your career influencers.

Your personal brand is the most important thing you bring to all of your job search activities, meetings and interviews. Avoid these common blunders to make the best impression and move ahead with your career goals.