How do You Make the Greatest Impact at Events?

Your assignment starts before you even walk into the room! Whatever the occasion, you want your impact to be immediate.

Think about it. If you walk into a social event and stick to the walls, or slink to the corner without engaging,  you look anti-social.Go into a business or career networking event in a similar way and you'll appear to have no self confidence and certainly not be seen as a leader or influencer! 

Surely not the impression to make when you're looking to elevate your position? So it's all about big impact, big presence and a lingering impression.When you leave that meeting your presence remains, in the minds of those you've met and on the event itself. And please don't interpret as you have to do all the talking without taking a breath!

Enter the room with confidence and engaging smiles as you greet the group. Eye contact always good and not hanging to one person too long. It's about getting in with soundbites to as many as possible and working out your key audience. That way you're able to round back later as required.

The last thing is to end up with that person you wanted to meet, for whatever reason,  just as the meeting is ending! 

When you engage, be prepared on what you want to say about yourself,  why and to whom. At the same time you must also listen to and acknowledge others. Looking for those opportunities and little hooks, especially with influencers,  to let them know why they want your association! 

The "what's in it for them" scenario. Good when you're looking for that individual to help in your career or business. But it has to be powerful so that when you move on, they've either already agreed to follow up, or they are literally sticking with you at the meeting. 

If they extend the discussion and start introducing you to others,  then fair to say you've hit the mark there!

So be confident, listen and talk with a consistency that draws the group to you.