Schmoozing is a great way to get people to like you and grow your professional and social network.schmoozing isn't all about being nice to a person.To schmooze effectively, you need to be likable.You can schmooze your way to the top if you present yourself well and concentrate on positive small talk.
Step 1: Introduce yourself to people.
Pay attention to the people at the event and introduce yourself to them.Don't limit the conversation to people you know.Go out of your network and meet new people.You can ask the host to introduce you to people you want to talk to if you're nervous."Hey, my name's Joe, I work in accounting," is how you can introduce yourself.How are you?You can also say hello.I saw your presentation and thought it was great.I'm Jake.I couldn't stop laughing when I heard about the accounting prank.
Step 2: Stay up to date.
Stay up to date on the latest trends by reading magazines and watching new documentaries.Staying up on trends will give you something to talk about outside of work.It will make you seem more interesting to the people you're talking to if you have a couple of subjects that you know about.
Step 3: Don't talk about religion, politics or race.
Unless you are at a church or a political event, you shouldn't bring up these topics.It's easy to offend someone when people have strong feelings about these themes.Stay neutral if someone brings it up.Someone might ask, "What do you think of the new president?"You can say that you don't follow politics.
Step 4: Don't be fake.
The goal of schmoozing is to build your network, but it shouldn't be obvious.People don't want to associate with people who are ambitious.If you're in a social setting, talk only about work.People don't think you're fake if you stick to more interesting subjects.
Step 5: Don't end pointless conversations but be polite.
If you run into someone you don't want to talk to, you should be nice.Give short responses until they run out of small talk.Wait around five minutes.You can say "Well, it was really nice meeting you" when you leave the conversation.I'm going to grab a drink and find my friends.You can say that you have to use the restroom.It was pleasant talking to you.
Step 6: Look for similarities between you and the person you're talking to.
The more similar a person is to you, the more engaged they will be.Draw parallels between the two people you're talking to.If someone says "This customer blamed me because their order didn't arrive, but it was the shipping company's fault", you can say "Yeah, customers sometimes complain about things outside of my control too."
Step 7: Listen and ask questions.
When you're schmoozing, you don't want to talk a lot.It's important to give the person you're talking to enough space to say what they want.Asking questions that require a response is a great way to do this.Think of the conversation as a series of opportunities to grow your relationship.If someone is talking about a recent baseball game, you can ask, "What do you think of the Mets performance so far this season?"If you are talking about a movie you've both seen recently, you could say something like, "Yeah, Eli Roth's directing has really evolved over the last ten years."What is your favorite movie of him?
Step 8: Give them praise.
Don't say something like "You're the best!"Frame your compliment as a question or statementYou could ask, "How did you keep such a cool head yesterday with that customer?"I wasn't sure about your techniques, but now I think it's the best way to do it.You can compliment them by saying "I don't want to make you look bad, but your explanation of the classical dynamics of spinning tops is the best I've ever heard."
Step 9: Wear clothes that are clean and pressed.
You should wear clothes that make you feel good.Depending on the situation you're in, this will vary.If you're in a formal setting, you should wear a suit and nice shoes.If you're in a casual environment, wear clothes that make you feel comfortable.Clean clothing will always make a good impression.
Step 10: Have good hygiene.
Before you go to a networking or social event, make sure you wash and groom your hair.People won't want to be around you if you have bad breath or smell bad.Bad breath can be prevented by brushing your teeth, chewing gum, and eating breath mints.It's possible to smell good if you wear deodorant or perfume.
Step 11: Before you arrive, read about the event.
You need to know who will be at the event.This will give you an idea of the types of conversations you might be having and the people you should target.You'll want to talk to people in your field of work or study that can help advance your career.If you can get a hold of a guest list, you should research the people who will be there.
Step 12: Don't be arrogant, butude self-confidence.
Don't talk about how you're better than other people.This will give off a bad impression.Don't talk about it constantly but act like you're sure of yourself.