Schmoozing is a great way to get people to like you and grow your professional network.schmoozing isn't all about being nice to a person.To schmooze effectively, you need to be genuine and likable.You can schmooze your way to the top if you present yourself well, concentrate on positive small talk, and build trust with people.
Step 1: Get to know 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," you can say.How are you?You can also say hello.I was impressed by your presentation on nuclear thermodynamics."Hey, I'm Jake."I heard about the prank that you guys pulled in accounting, and I couldn't stop laughing.
Step 2: Stay on top of the news.
Stay up 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 are talking to if you have a couple of subjects that you're knowledgeable about.
Step 3: Don't talk about race, religion, politics, or anything else.
Unless you are at a church or political event, you shouldn't bring up these topics.It's easy to offend someone when people have strong feelings about these themes.If someone brings it up, stay neutral.Someone might ask, "What do you think of the new president?"You can say that you don't follow politics.
Step 4: Be credible.
It shouldn't be obvious that the goal of schmoozing is to build your network.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 that you're fake if you stick to more interesting subjects.
Step 5: Don't end pointless conversations and 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 and excuse yourself.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 nice talking to you.
Step 6: Look for similarities between you and the person you are talking to.
The more similar a person is to you, the more engaged they will be in the conversation.Draw parallels between yourself and the person 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: Ask questions when you listen.
When you're schmoozing, you don't want to talk too much.It's important to give the person you're talking to enough space to say something.Asking questions that require a response is a great way to do this.Don't worry about saying the wrong thing, the conversation is a series of opportunities to expand 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 positive feedback.
Don't say something like "You're the best!"Frame your compliment as a question or statement.You could ask, "How did you keep such a cool head yesterday with that customer?"I wasn't sure about your techniques at first, 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: It's a good idea to wear pressed clothes.
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: Good hygiene is what you should have.
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: You should read about the event before you get there.
Make sure you know who will be at the event.This will give you an idea of the types of conversations you should be having.You will most likely 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 on the internet.
Step 12: Don't come off as arrogant, even if you have self-confidence.
Don't talk about how you're better than others.This will give off a bad impression.Don't talk about it constantly but act like you're sure of yourself.