October Coach MKay Networking Tip

Last week, my new Executive Assistant Morgan, was going to be attending a Southport Chamber after hours event. I used to enjoy going to the High Point Chamber and Greensboro Merchant Association networking events thoroughly. Sometimes, it’s challenging to feel comfortable speaking with people you don’t know for the first time. Morgan has lived here four years and the few times we have been in social settings, she seemed to know several people. I was more concerned with her feeling comfortable introducing herself affiliated with my company and how to get to know other business professionals.

I created a brief video for her because I was in Greensboro delivering a team building retreat for one of my coaching clients and we did not have time to role play the dialogue before I left the coast. One strategy I used when meeting new people is called the High Five Conversation. Look at your hand, your thumb represents your individual characteristics and NAME. The index finger represents FROM (Ask someone where they are from), the MIDDLE finger (no pun intended) represents you FAMILY (Ask, “Tell me about your family.”), the index finger or bling finger represents FUNDS (Ask, “What do you do for work?”) If they have a nametag on you can ask them to share about their organization. The pinky finger likes to party (Ask, what do you enjoy doing when you’re not working.”) I might also ask when they moved to the coast or what they like most about living here.

 

Click to play the video on YouTube

The next time you are at an event, have a HIGH FIVE conversation and you never know what you can learn about a person in two minutes. Make a commitment to get at least five business cards, keep them in your right pocket, keep yours in your left pocket. Follow up with a handwritten note or brief video saying it was great to meet you and let’s schedule a zoom or coffee chat to learn more about each other’s background and explore a potential business partnership.

YOU GOT THIS!

Blessings,

Merikay