Throughout the years, we’ve learned a lot about networking. Some of what we’ve learned came by way of the infamous BNI organization, some came from experts like John Bourdage, and the rest just came about instinctively—out of necessity. The following networking tips will help you and your colleagues to stay comfortable and confident at your next business mixer:
1). Hold Your Drink in Your Left Hand
This one seems like a no-brainer, but every time we go to a business mixer we see people who either offer you their wet drink-hand or hurriedly switch hands with their drink in order to wipe their right hand on their pants before offering it to you. Nobody wants to shake your cold, wet, fish-like hand. Just make things easier for everybody by keeping your drink in your left hand.
2). Make a Drink Cozy
Here’s one Carrie learned from the locals during her stay in Texas (Land of the Sweaty Drinks). So, let’s say you’re following the left-hand drink rule to a T, but now your precious hand is beginning to ache from the cold. All you have to do is unfold a cocktail napkin, give it a single fold the long way, wrap it around your drink, and tuck the napkin into itself at the top (much in the same way you might secure a towel around your waist).
3). Pop a Breath Mint!
If you’re planning to drink coffee at your next business function, be sure to bring a couple of post-coffee breath mints (especially if you’re a “close-talker”). There’s no telling how many potential business connections have been thwarted over the years by the dreaded coffee breath. Do the right thing: pop a breath mint! After all, there’s a reason why mouthwash doesn’t come in coffee flavor.
Thanks for Reading! Stay Tuned for More of Our Important and Useful Networking Tips!
