Once upon a time, an urban professional was in the concrete jungle. Let’s call him Jeff. Now, Jeff wasn’t your average 9-to-5 grinder. Oh no, he was a master networker, a social butterfly in a suit.
Now, Jeff could strike up a conversation with a brick wall and leave it feeling like the belle of the ball. He had a knack for making connections faster than a high-speed internet router. His secret weapon? A sense of humor that could make even a Monday morning meeting feel like a Friday night comedy show.
He got Game.
Jeff’s networking style was unique. He’d walk into a room full of strangers and leave with a phone full of contacts, a pocket full of business cards, and a belly full of laughs. His approach was simple: be genuine, be interested, and above all, be funny.
He’d start with a joke, maybe something about how he got lost on the way and ended up in a yoga class, doing downward dog with a group of senior citizens. Then he’d listen, really listen, to what people had to say. And he’d respond with witty remarks that showed he understood, cared, and could see the lighter side of life.
Jeff’s comedic networking style was about more than just getting laughs. It was about breaking down barriers, building relationships, and making memorable connections. People may forget what you said or did, but they’ll never forget how you made them feel. And Jeff, with his infectious laughter and genuine interest, made people feel good.
Be Authentic!
So, if you’re an urban professional looking to up your networking game, take a page out of Jeff’s book. Be genuine, be interested, and don’t be afraid to bring some humor into the mix. After all, as Jeff would say, “Life’s too short to drink cheap wine!”
So, what conclusions can we draw from Jeff’s networking style?
Jeff displayed authenticity and a genuine interest in his contacts;
He used humor to reduce anxiety, actively listened,
showing he appreciated their input, and made a positive impact.
Therefore, add these five points to your urban networking game
Authenticity: Be genuine in your interactions. Authenticity fosters trust and forms the basis for meaningful connections.
Interest in Others: Show genuine interest in the people you meet. This helps in understanding their perspectives and building stronger relationships.
Humor: Use humor to break the ice and make networking more enjoyable. It helps in creating a positive and relaxed environment.
Active Listening: Listen actively to what others are saying. This shows that you value their input and are interested in their experiences.
Positive Impressions: Strive to leave a positive impression on the people you meet. People remember how you made them feel, so aim to make them feel good about interacting with you.
Remember, networking is not just about exchanging business cards. It’s about making genuine connections, and what better way to do that than with a dash of humor? So go ahead and give it a try. You might find yourself becoming the life of the networking party, just like Jeff.
Michael Rice is an award-winning social innovator, Content Creator, and author of the transformational guide “Be Magnificent! Exceed Your Expectations,” available at www.michaelricespeaks.com. He is also a trainer, community strategist, and motivational speaker. He is available for large, intimate speaking engagements, including educational institutions, faith-based organizations, conferences, and workshops.
Contact: theconnector@verizon.net or call 267-303-0653. Join us on Facebook @Professional Networking Associates and @TheConnector Internet Magazine.
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