General Session
Presented By:
Diane DanielsonFounder and Chief Social Media StrategistDowntown Women's Club
What’s all the “Table Talk” about?
• Saying “no” to traditional networking
• Finding your own comfort zone
• Having fun!
Redefining “Networking”
• Networking – To interact or engage in informal communication with others for mutual assistance or support.
• Table Talk – The mutual sharing of information and support through on-going collaboration.
Vital Info & Getting “In the Know”
Vital Information is: “any information that can help you or someone you know advance in their career or handle personal issues more efficiently.”
Get “in the know” by: reading, talking, listening and connecting!
How do you start?
• Table talk strategy• Dinner party formula• Tips for getting out there and table talking!
Strategy
• Short and long-term goals• Who and what do you need
to know to achieve them?
The Dinner Party Formula
CompanyTable
IndustryTable
BusinessCommunity
Table
Image consultant
Gov. Schwarzenegger
Needs some friends in the press
Mitt Romney
Campaign staff
Mentor
Key employees
Clients
Competitors
Conduits
Hairdresser
Anyone who can help implement your strategy!
Time to start brainstorming
• Come up with a goal – short or long-term
• Explain your goal• Brainstorm with your
partner
CompanyTable
IndustryTable
BusinessCommunity
Table
How do you get to brainstorming?
1. Have a goal (or two)
2. Pick the right event/organization
3. Bring a buddy
4. Find loners and make a buddy
5. Prep your small talk before you go
Prepping your small talk
• Read up before you go• Save the elevator pitch• Signature lines + small talk instigators• Continue the conversation:
– Be positive – Be curious – Be a connector – Be a good listener
Prepping your small talk
• Have fewer conversations and provide memorable information.
• Ask for advice (it’s not the same as asking for help).
• “Can you tell me more about that?”
6. Play a role
7. Smile
8. Dress your best
9. Make yourself memorable
10. Follow up
How do you get to brainstorming?
Following up online
1. LinkedIn invitation– Customize the invite– Be selective
2. Invitation to eNewsletter
3. Comment on their blog
4. Facebook fan page
5. Follow them on Twitter
6. Can do #’s 3-5 in advance!
Thank you!
Diane K. DanielsonFounder, Downtown Women’s Club
Twitter: @DowntownWoman
VP of Business Development, Convengine
Email: [email protected]