5 Reasons People Didn't Remember You After That Networking Event
They Didn't Meet You
Because you spent the entire time talking to the two people you came with, you didn't meet anyone new.
You Were Nondescript
"Hi, I'm Joe and I'm in sales at Company XYZ." The person you just said that to is already nodding off. Not only will she not remember your name tomorrow - she won't remember it ten minutes from now.
You Didn't Have a Good Conversation Starter
Five minutes of bland chit chat isn't going to get you anywhere. You need to engage the other person right out of the gate. You only have a few minutes; use it wisely.
You Labeled Yourself
"I'm a financial analyst." Or how about, "I'm a marketing specialist." These are labels. They are not at all unique. Though what you do may be quite fascinating, labeling yourself is an uninteresting way to begin a conversation.
Think about what you do and how you might describe it in a way that will make the listener want to hear more. Hint: how do people benefit from what you do? Try crafting your job in those terms.
You Didn't Make the Clock Work for You
Memorable people have a great sense of timing when they're meeting others at professional gatherings. They don't attempt to monopolize the other person by getting into a lengthy discussion. While keeping it succinct, they get the absolute most out of the exchange.
This means they know how to do the following:
• Capture attention immediately
• Establish rapport
• Make good eye contact
• Show genuine interest
• Find out what the other person is interested in
Think of this meeting as just the start of your conversation. As you're chatting, actively look for ways to continue the exchange later - that will be the basis for your follow up.
Because you spent the entire time talking to the two people you came with, you didn't meet anyone new.
You Were Nondescript
"Hi, I'm Joe and I'm in sales at Company XYZ." The person you just said that to is already nodding off. Not only will she not remember your name tomorrow - she won't remember it ten minutes from now.
You Didn't Have a Good Conversation Starter
Five minutes of bland chit chat isn't going to get you anywhere. You need to engage the other person right out of the gate. You only have a few minutes; use it wisely.
You Labeled Yourself
"I'm a financial analyst." Or how about, "I'm a marketing specialist." These are labels. They are not at all unique. Though what you do may be quite fascinating, labeling yourself is an uninteresting way to begin a conversation.
Think about what you do and how you might describe it in a way that will make the listener want to hear more. Hint: how do people benefit from what you do? Try crafting your job in those terms.
You Didn't Make the Clock Work for You
Memorable people have a great sense of timing when they're meeting others at professional gatherings. They don't attempt to monopolize the other person by getting into a lengthy discussion. While keeping it succinct, they get the absolute most out of the exchange.
This means they know how to do the following:
• Capture attention immediately
• Establish rapport
• Make good eye contact
• Show genuine interest
• Find out what the other person is interested in
Think of this meeting as just the start of your conversation. As you're chatting, actively look for ways to continue the exchange later - that will be the basis for your follow up.