Here's how you can make a positive first impression when networking.

From my experience, dressing professionally according to the interview and the industry standards is crucial. It shows respect for the company and the interviewer, and it also demonstrates that you understand the expectations of the professional environment you're aiming to enter. Adapting your attire to match the level of formality of the interview and the industry norms is a smart move that can help you make a positive impression right from the start.

The way you carry yourself is more important than an expensive wardrobe. Being clean, neat and tidy, includes fresh breath and recently washed hair. On the side of the coin, jut because you have the clothes, does not mean you have made it! You don't want to be remembered as "mutton dressed up as lamb" (look the part, but cannot be the part). A car sales man once told me that people who dress to impress, most often don't have the money to buy or have something to prove... obviously dressing appropriately is important, but your authenticity and sincere confidence is the gold that you wear.

To make a positive first impression when networking, present yourself confidently and with a smile. Dress appropriately for the event. Initiate conversations with a firm handshake, and maintain good eye contact. Listen actively to others. Have a well crafted “Elevator Pitch” to articulate your background and interests, but also ask questions about the other person. Make sure your interaction is reciprocal and leads to forging a good relationship with others.

Solemos querer expresar y contar nuestras historias, pero si logras dar espacio para primero entender, escuchar activamente, y luego con esto poder dar una visión más completa seguramente tu impresión y contenido será mucho mejor.

Statt "aktives Zuh?ren" schlage ich h?ufig "aktives Hin-H?ren" vor. Das ist für mich ein entscheidender Unterschied, denn wer wirklich "hin-h?rt", was mein/e Gegenüber zu sagen hat, h?rt den Unterschied, der den Unterschied ausmachen kann. Gepaart mit gew?hlten offenen Fragen, ist das meiner Meinung nach ein Schlüsselelement. Achtung bei der Wahl der Fragen: "Die Qualit?t der Frage bestimmt die Qualit?t der Antwort". Ansonsten: An sich selbst glauben und hinspüren, ob und wenn ja, was resoniert mit dem Menschen im Gespr?ch.

Active Listening is the basis for an effective communication and will highly increase team dynamic and efficiency. Also it will help to prevent and solve conflicts due to an empathetic exchange.

Asking questions is 1) a good way to show interest and 2) understanding. Also helps increase engagement of the other person so they forge interest in you

Start with a Smile and Firm Handshake: Approach others with a warm smile and offer a firm handshake. A confident and friendly greeting sets a positive tone for the interaction and conveys your openness and enthusiasm. AND Introduce Yourself Clearly: When introducing yourself, be clear and concise about who you are and what you do. Share your name, professional title or role, and a brief overview of your background or expertise. Avoid using jargon or technical terms that may be unfamiliar to others.

Ask Questions and Listen Actively: Show genuine interest in the person you're speaking with by asking thoughtful questions about their work, interests, and experiences. Practice active listening by focusing on what they're saying, maintaining eye contact, and avoiding distractions. AND Find Common Ground: Look for common interests, experiences, or connections that you share with the person you're networking with. Finding common ground helps to establish rapport and build a foundation for a meaningful relationship.

Use positive language: Frame your conversations with positivity and enthusiasm. Prepare an elevator pitch: Craft a brief, concise summary of your background, interests, and goals.

There's a quote by Dr. Maya Angelou that I find suitable to express the importance of empathy and making people feel heard and seen. "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you make them feel." When done with sincerity, it will indeed leave a strong and lasting impression.

It can be super tempting to prepare a well-crafted script, but it’s important to remember that nonverbal communication will set the tone and leave a lasting impression more than anything you say. To make a good impression, be confident and authentic. As Maya Angelou said, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

Iría más allá, que el otro se sienta escuchado, querido y apreciado. Sin decir nada, tu forma de mirar, sostén el espacio, no hables mucho de ti, indaga con interés genuino en lo que te cuente... Y todo esto, siendo tú mismo. Desde ahí emergerá una conexión.

Share Your Story: Be prepared to share a brief and compelling summary of your professional journey, highlighting key accomplishments, skills, and experiences. Tailor your story to resonate with the interests and goals of the person you're speaking with. AND Be Positive and Enthusiastic: Maintain a positive and upbeat attitude throughout the conversation. Express enthusiasm for the opportunity to connect and learn from others, and avoid dwelling on negative topics or complaints.

Follow Up: Exchange contact information with the individuals you meet and follow up with a personalized message or email within a few days. Reference something specific from your conversation to demonstrate your interest and reinforce the connection you've made. AND Be Authentic: Above all, be yourself and let your personality shine through. Authenticity builds trust and fosters genuine connections, which are essential for successful networking.

I always recommend to get their details first. Then you are in control of following up. Just handing out 500 business cards, does not guarantee that people will come back to you. If you have their details, you control when, where and how you will connect with them. A lazy person hands out cards and expect the person receiving the card to reach out to them. Make it easy for them, if necessary take the time to give them a missed call, so they can just add you. this way you have their details and they have yours.

Use positive language: Frame your conversations with positivity and enthusiasm. Prepare an elevator pitch: Craft a brief, concise summary of your background, interests, and goals.

I once asked an ace connector and networker how do I start to network - as networking does not come naturally to me - he said - 'when in a conversation you have created value for the other, you will be remembered and networks will start to form.’ Networking is all about creating value for others and yourself. Genuine curiosity of the human in front of you can do wonders to build that connection and impact.

Ask a really embodied question. A question about an experience. A question that starts with: “Tell about a time when or I am curious, what was your experience like …” and ends with your curiosity: “… you were most excited about something in this industry” or “you had to navigate through a challenge ” or “you felt a real sense of accomplishment”? I am willing to bet you will not only make an impression but be able to use the conversation that unfolds to your benefit.

An important mindset shift is required when it comes to networking. Being interested in other people is more important than being interesting and impress others with our expertise and appearance. Shine the spotlight on the other person in your conversation. Avoid reacting to your own thoughts, they impede your presence in a conversation.

Networking impact is about - Being pleasant - Being open to connect and start a conversation - Listen keenly to the human being in front of you - Find ways to contribute right away or after the event through sending them something they need. A contact, info, provocative reading etc - Networking is adding value and changing your mindset from get to give.

Questions lead to clarity and connection, so don’t make the conversation about you. Having a confident and pleasant demeanor is important when introducing yourself. Beyond that, the best impression you can make is by getting to know the other person. Listen for relatable points of connection, and use their name when talking to them. It helps you remember their name and makes the conversation personal.