Getting your mind right for networking

I have seen a number of presenters over the years talk about how they get themselves in the right mindset before undertaking some activity or other. These have ranged from simple things like breathing exercises to complicated figure of eight walking patterns.

I attended an excellent networking masterclass from Nigel Temple last night. During one of the discussions Nigel was sharing how open questions were much more important than any elevator pitch and said that he always thinks CAKE before networking. Why cake you might ask. Cake reminds him of Mr Kipling (exceedingly good cakes!) and that reminds him of a verse from the poem in The Elephant's Child from Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories:

I KEEP six honest serving-men
(They taught me all I knew);
Their names are What and Why and When
And How and Where and Who.

That reminds Nigel to prepare for asking questions and then actively listening when he meets people. That way he can listen and make relevant connections for the people he meets.

How do you make sure you get in the right frame of mind?

Good Networking!
Dave Clarke
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