ASK & DISCUSS INDEX

7 years, 7 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin

I absolutely hate networking events. When I am meeting a lot of strangers, though, I find it helpful to remember they're often as uncomfortable as I am, na dinstead of wishing someone would come and chat to me, I'll go and chat to them! A simple "Hello, I'm x" gets the ball rolling!

7 years, 7 months ago - David Roberts

You're there because you share an interest so you're that's already a step up from a normal social gathering. Go with a few stock questions in mind that you can pull out the bag. If you drink, have a little (I stress little) Dutch Courage. In answer to your Headline question: Learn to be an extrovert (Or at least how to pretend to be one).

7 years, 7 months ago - Marlom Tander

Rig the game so people come to you. If you can, get a speaking role. Or...

Wear something distinctive so that IF people talk about you, they can point you out. I learned this when doing sales conferences to promote my software in conjunction with the coding company. I turned up in a suit and was given a blue blazer and red tie by the company owner. WTF? "Because if people talk about us to someone we don't know, they will just say "the guys in the blue blazers and red ties". It worked.

Later, out on my next venture, I had to attend more and this time knowing all would be in suits, I wore an indian shirt, and this time I even saw people talking to each other, then one turning, looking around, and pointing at me. Followed by the other party heading my way.

7 years, 7 months ago - Sahera Khan

Hav you tried The Film Bunch? More info: www.thefilmbunch.com. Meet monthly.

7 years, 7 months ago - Vasco de Sousa

Be yourself, be honest, and don't try to meet everyone. When I was younger, I tried to please too many people, which really didn't work. (And don't try to dutch courage, most people don't drink at work.) Just approach those people who you might have something in common with, who look open to communication.

And, you can just be approachable. I remember one producer approached me at a Syd Field seminar, and later asked if I had any scripts. Think of things that make you smile, open your mind to positive thoughts. I find more people approach me when I'm drawing cartoons than when I'm reading. And, leave the mobile phone at home.

If it's a festival, I usually find that watching the film works. Only approach people whose films you like. (I made the mistake once of trying to talk to a director whose film I didn't like. Not productive. Another time I complimented a sound effect I liked, and the filmmaker appreciated that.)

7 years, 7 months ago - Oliver Cohen

There are tricks.

Chase Jarvis answers this one well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56uEFPFIUQE

7 years, 7 months ago - Oliver Cohen

Essentially become genuinely interested in other people and they'll become interested in you.

7 years, 7 months ago - Angela Peters

Hi Matthew,

I feel for you! Very brave too - writing this publicly, and I love the great answers. My friend is a director and introvert. While this won’t directly answer your question, I thought it was such a great read when she wrote this piece:
http://www.quietvoiceofaloudmind.com/how-networking-feels-like-for-an-introvert/
Might be nice for you!

7 years, 7 months ago - Ray Brady

Hi Angela,
Very nice link, many thanks for sharing. Re: "I’ll try to talk to at least 5 people at every networking event I go to, otherwise there’s no point going at all." so very true, personally I've failed to do this in similar events many times. One foot note to add, bring and exchange business cards, then as soon as possible make notes on the back of their card to jog your memory as to who they are and what they were promoting, if ,you don't just a week later you'll may struggle like me to remember what you talked about when you met. Why is that important....whilst contacts may not be instantly useful, maybe years later they may be exactly the person that you might need to reach, emailing or contacting them then won't be a cold call when you've actually met and talked.