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Make the Most of Seasonal Mingling
Polish Your Social Skills for Great Networking Opportunities
By Debra Fine
Do you dread holiday parties? Does attending another open house make you want to run inside your own and lock the door? You're not alone. Many of us feel apprehensive about these situations because most of us hate entering rooms where we don't know anyone in them. Keeping a conversation going during social occasions can be an ordeal.
But these occasions present opportunities to develop friendships and broaden our networks. Whether you realize it or not, networking happens all the time.
Some people view small talk as inconsequential, but I contend that it's the appetizer for every relationship. Small talk can turn a challenging situation during an awkward social gathering into a success. Small talk connects us, whether the setting is business or social.
Everyone learns technical skills required of their jobs, but not everyone places importance on conversational skills. The ability to talk easily with anyone is a learned skill, not a personality trait. Learning this will help you develop rapport with people and leave an impression that lasts longer than exchanging business cards.
- Be the first to say "Hello!"
- Introduce yourself. Act as if you're the host and introduce new arrivals to your conversational partner or partners.
- Smile f
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