The practicalities of Networking: Managing your physical presence

One aspect of networking that often holds people back from fulfilling their full potential is being uncomfortable navigating their physical presence. As the act of introducing yourself to someone brings the spotlight, public events can generate increased levels of self-awareness and anxiety, leading to a lack of confidence. Working with a communications coach can help you navigate the social etiquette of these moments and boost your confidence.

There are several aspects to be navigated when interacting in person with strangers, people you have only met briefly or connected with online. How do you ensure you aren’t encroaching upon someone else’s space, whilst creating a familiar and comfortable environment that generates connection?

THE LONG WALK

The first aspect of in-person conversation at a networking event often comes from that initial approach. You see someone you recognise from your pre-networking outreach, or even someone who you have yet to build a connection with. You must strike out across the floor to initiate conversation. This can feel daunting and anxiety-inducing but with the right preparation with your communications coach, you should be able to begin this journey with confidence.

Putting yourself in the correct mental space in advance is key to your success which can be done by eliminating the fear of the unknown. Working with a communications coach, you should have a strong repertoire of ice-breaking questions. By developing your conversational style to rank listening as the top priority in any valuable conversation, you should be assured of your ability to engage with any response you receive after your initial approach.

Gaining control of your breath is key. Much of the work with your communications coach will be to generate increased awareness and control over your breathing to keep strength throughout your core. It might feel redundant or alien to focus on your breathing but relaxed, focussed breath is essential when battling anxiety and maintaining control over our physical presence.

Being confidently in your body and present in the room, you will have the confidence to step across the floor without stress. Offering open body language and a confident handshake should be rehearsed within your repertoire. Making eye contact is extremely important and, capping it off should be a welcoming smile.

SPACE INVADERS

How do you build a connection with someone without becoming a space invader? Besides its formal and cultural significance, a handshake is a fantastic way to mark out where it is appropriate to stand once the conversation has been initiated. This sometimes isn’t clear but, as a general rule, two arm lengths apart is a good measure of distance.

Be aware of your surroundings and the people you’re talking to. If the conversation opens out to a third person or a wider group it can be hard to determine where to place yourself. Standing to the side of someone, a good rule to follow is keeping the length of your elbow apart.

Police officers will stand to the side when questioning someone as it takes the intimidation out of the proceedings. A good rule of thumb is to be confident enough to ask. “Am I OK to stand here?” is perfectly acceptable and shows a great level of care.

Working with a communications coach is a great way to rehearse your conversation style and overcome some of the difficulties that can occur when we fall too deep into our own headspace during an encounter. Distracting thoughts can lead to unconscious staring at the other party. Developing your communications style to value “active listening” over talking will allow you to keep your focus on the other person without falling into the trap of staring gormless into their face.

KNOW WHEN TO LEAVE

As confidently as you begin the conversation, you should be comfortable leaving. Especially at events where you are aiming to meet with as many potential clients and/or investors, have confidence to step away from the conversation. Leaving with an exchange of business cards, or digital assets, you can be assured that this conversation will continue further. You can’t eat an elephant in one bite so be willing to pick up the details of your message at a later date.

If you have worked with a pitch coach you should have found the opportunity in the conversation to deliver your thirty second elevator pitch which, if you have done the work, will be punchy and memorable. You are developing relationships, not aiming for a one night stand so be willing to step away from the conversation and leave them wanting more.