How can you develop your executive presence for networking events?

The best way to introduce yourself is using this template.....I do <THIS> for <THESE> people, in <THIS> way. My name is Paul Matthews. I help leaders and teams, lift their impact and trust with powerful coaching conversations.

Additionally, record yourself practicing your pitch. Watch it back a few times and focus on your body language and how you communicate or articulate your pitch. How you sound is equally as important as what you're saying and the image you present to people. Here's a quick tip: Speed up parts of your pitch that are less important, then slow down and enunciate parts of your pitch that are more important for your target audience.

If you can tell a story that piques curiosity instantly, the other person will be waiting for you to learn about them. I believe that is a powerful position you can be in to tell your story. Remember this, people will perceive your communication based on: 7% verbal 38% your tone 55% body language So optimize each one to become a master This applies to everyone, irrespective of their role, industry, or position. Create an Elevator Pitch that captures your strengths and instills curiosity in other people during a networking event.

I wouldn't call it a pitch but rather an invitation to get to know you. I agree that your message should be tailored to a specific audience so they have better context about you. For those who are not yet skilled in networking functions, practicing how you would like to introduce yourself in a networking function would help. Networking is about getting to know new people. It's not about selling things or yourself. My tip is to have an intention in mind. It could be as easy as getting to know at least one person today or having fun in a conversation.

Multiple research findings including one from the University of California, Berkeley, suggest that practising confident body language can significantly enhance executive presence and interpersonal impact (UC Berkeley Greater Good Science Center, 2019). Invest in a versatile, high-quality blazer or tailored dress that fits you well. A well-fitted blazer not only enhances your professional appearance but also boosts your confidence, making it easier to navigate networking events with poise and style.

You have one chance to create a strong impression. Unfortunately, many people judge others on how they're dressed or what they look like. Luckily, how you present yourself is under your control. Additionally, as I mentioned above, focus on how you sound. The best public speakers in the world are captivating and stand out in a room amongst thousands of other people. This is a skill that you can improve through practice that is often overlooked.

There are many ways of developing executive presence but one that I've found to be effective with clients is the NLP tool of "circle of excellence". I think it's really powerful as it focuses on creating change from the inside and gets the client out of their head and into their body. It's a simple tool that can be used anywhere. You simply 1) draw a circle in front of you (in your imagination), that's large enough for you to step into 2. Within that circle imagine every good thing about yourself. You place every success, all of your strengths, the strong relationships you've built, the love you give and receive in the world. 3) Finally step into the circle and breathe in all of the positive vibrations. I've seen it work beautifully!

Again, although body language is important (standing tall, adopting an open posture, being confident), hand gestures are equally if not more important. When you move your body, your voice moves. This brings life to your voice.

Avoid multitasking. Try to focus on what is being said. Too many people "tune out" or spend the majority of these events on their phone. After they leave, they realize they learned nothing. If you're going to attend a networking event, make the most out of it. You've already committed the time to being there.

Active Listening is always a key skill to help improve executive presence in general. In networking functions, you can improve your presence as easily by focusing on the conversation and asking questions without interrupting.

Try to get each connections business card (digital business cards exist) or LinkedIn. Your goal from that point on is to follow up with each of them and nurture the new connection. Too many people attend events, add a new contact to LinkedIn, then never speak to them again. What was the point of attending the event then? Try following up within 24-48 hours, and then follow up every few weeks and stay in touch. Try attending other events with them, engage with their posts on LinkedIn, email them, share stories with them, ask them for a virtual coffee chat, etc.

If people have a problem with networking then it is usually the feeling that they don't want to be pushy or be in the spotlights. Especially introverted people. My tip is to adopt a "host mindset": think about what you would do when you are hosting a party at your house. You would happily greet people, make sure they feel comfortable, introduce them to others, ... This is a mindset that you can use whether you organize a professional networking event or are one of the participants. It takes the spotlight of you and you will experience how grateful others are.

Here is an often overlooked trick... Go to events! If you live in a larger city there will be all types of opportunity to go out and practice. Do not limit yourself to only expensive paid events, find the free small networking events that are aligned with your interest, go have fun. This helps by reducing the pressure to be an "executive" in these settings, you will be able to test your elevator pitch, practice segueing from conversation to conversation and learn how you interact with different people.

Networking without a goal is pretty useless. Gone are the days where we need a large rollerdeck of contacts. What is more important these days is a strong pitcrew that you can trust to support you. Having a goal to your networking eg to gain support for a project or career move ensures your networking is more measurable and targetted. Otherwise we are just gaining contacts that me neever see again.