Network Like A Magician

For 15 years, I have worked professionally as a magician. Over this time, I have developed a deep understanding of creating better engagement and lasting impressions when networking. Essentially, I’m a professional networker and I also act as a host, making sure everyone is welcomed to the event and having a good time.

With that in mind, I have also worked across multiple industries such as military, F&B, hospitality, education, and entertainment. These different and varying roles have taught me a lot about social interactions with all ages, backgrounds, and nationalities.

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One of the most profound things I have learned is remembering people’s names. This seems so trivial but we are all guilty of this. Within 5-10 seconds, we forget the person’s name we just met.

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Why does this happen?

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Because we don’t actively listen or pay attention. Repeat the name straight away and keep using it as you talk to that person. Use it or lose it! There is a lot more to this topic but I’m keeping this brief as this makes for a whole article in itself.

But here are some tips for you to consider for your next meeting or networking event.

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First impressions matter and they are formed within 7 seconds. Sometimes even a 10th of a second.

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Your grooming, smell, cleanliness, pressed clothes, polished shoes, and posture come into play here. Most women spend a lot of time on their appearance.?

I am a firm believer that men should spend the same time on their appearance. Shave or make sure your facial hair is trimmed and neat. Remove lint and fluff from clothing, wash and style your hair, manicure, moisturise, etc.

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Breath is another important factor. As we talk over a long period, our mouth gets dry. When our mouth is dry this leads to bad breath. Alcohol is usually a present form of refreshment at events and I have found that white wine is one of the worst culprits. Use a mint. One that dissolves almost instantly in the mouth reducing residue and crumbs in the mouth. There is nothing worse than speaking to someone with bad breath!

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This leads me to say, that if you have food in your mouth when chewing canapés and finger food, either take a step to the side and eat for a quiet moment or at least place your hand over your mouth when talking. This acts as a guard to stop food spraying over your new connection.

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Remember, first impressions matter!

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There are 3 numbers that represent how most conversations go:

7 - 38 - 55

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7% is verbal. Essentially, what you say accounts for only a small portion of an interaction.

38% is tone. The way you speak is more important than what you say.?

55% is body language. Your body language speaks way more and above everything else.

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Make sure you are paying attention to not only just what you say but how you say it and make sure your body language is congruent with the speech. Tell yourself in your mind that you want to be there and talk with this person. If not, your mind will have a way of conveying this to your body in small but noticeable ways. This will telegraph to the person you are talking to.

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(On a side note, if you are talking on the phone, make sure your body language is still active and pay attention to it. This will come out in your voice. Smile and be animated!)

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Remember, if you are networking, do exactly that. Don’t spend too much time talking to the same person. Keep it short, end the conversation politely, and move on to the next person or group.

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Confidence also has a huge importance when speaking.

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Be your true, unedited self. Don’t try to fit in when you were born to stand out. Be proud of who you are and what you know. I approach each person or crowd loud and confidently with my arm outstretched offering to shake hands and exchange names. It’s a polite and acceptable interruption that gets the right attention.

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I give out my business card using playing card manipulation techniques, sometimes mixed with technology (my phone). This helps me stand out and plant a lasting impression and memory into people’s minds. When they see this business card again later, it will rekindle the interaction they had with me. This also spreads the word - “Ask for that guy’s business card. Trust me!”

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There are so many creative ways to give out your business card. Can you think of a unique way to give out yours? If not, I’m available to help give lessons on this.

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By following all of the above, you are already ahead of the rest and will surely leave a lasting impression.