When it comes to communicating about jobs, it’s just like talking to people in a regular light. Most people can sense when you’re trying too hard, and most people don’t want to be caught in a one sided conversation. If you’re not a conversation starter, try to ease your way into a group conversation that’s underway. Don’t like talking in groups? Try to catch somebody one on one. If you’re at an event, you can open the conversation by introducing yourself and then talking about the event itself. “Is this your first time coming to one of these?”, “The keynote speaker was great, what did you think?”. You want to make sure that you prompt them to add to the conversation, and to not just let them speak so you can give your mouth a rest.

Secondly, business cards are an ending, not an introduction. There is no need to hand your business card to everybody you meet, though you might feel the urge to. Ideally, you’ll want to give your business card to people that either A) ask for it, or B) work in the same field you want to be in. The A situation is by far what you want. Though, you want to make sure that you get their information as well, so you can follow-up a few days later. Not to nag them, but just to remind them of the wonderful conversation exchange you had. This would also be a good time to ask them for job leads. Some great segues to a business card exchange: “Hey, it was great talking to you. Let’s exchange business cards so I can e-mail you that article I was talking about”, ” If you ever need *my specialty that we previously talked about* done, you can give me a call. Here’s my card”.

There is such a thing as networking with the wrong people, but if you’re networking with the right people in the wrong way, it’s just as, if not even more, damaging.

She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is completely off topic but I had to tell someone!

I want to encourage one to continue your great work, have a nice afternoon!