Hiya Donald, and how does one transfee an uncomfortable room full of professionals into a comfortable inviting venue? Well, I don't think everyone is born an networker, I think you have to practice and have a pre-determined goal in mind to gain valuable insite on. Networking is great, but can also be very awkward if the group or event you attend is NOT geared towards like minded people. Most mixers are set in a professional welcoming environment. Dressing for success and practicing a list of perhaps 20 job interview or topics and a map of the people and things you aim to gain insite and help on is helpful. A good example is knowing what you need, and being somewhat knowledgeable about a goal. If you are looking for constuction help, you don't take just ONE persons advice, you get impartial and even partial opinions and business cards from those in the "know". I love going in with a personal mission statement and sharing that vision with others.......when they ASK me what I do, share positive information. Negative experiences are a part of life, but don't dwell on the problem, embrace and get excited about solutions. Another thing about mixers, is that you meet people of all ages, diversity and professions. The focus, is to be clean, courteous and open to meeting new people, smile and be approachable. Wear a pin or something of your group of organization that represents you and what you are promoting. Have answers prepared when they ask you about it and stay positive. When the conversation has been two sided and others roam, take the hint and move on - with class and good manners. Use good ediquitte and say, thank you for your insite, give them your card and move on to others, say hello and comment on neutral observations we all make like on great food, the nice displays, the parking or positive energy. IF however, the event makes you feel uncomfortable and you feel threatened or in the wrong place. Show good manners and leave without a bad word. Sometimes, it is better to say nothing, than something that will make your regret later! Be careful not to offend.......word gets around pretty quick if you are an arse! Oh, no cursing! Guys should wear a blazer, with a tie or a shirt with a collar, kakis or dress slacks. Ladies, skirts or dress slacks, no spike heels but basic pumps, button down shirt or layers with a scoop top. Flats are too casual but boots are always appropriate with slacks. Jewelry should not make noise or be too large it distracts others from what you have to say! Productive, is when you walk away with a stack of business cards from people you would like to do business with, or that want you to call them! Make a point of keeping track of who you met at what event. If they want to help you, touch base within the next 2 weeks while they still remember you and the conversation. Make notes on the back of the business cards as soon as possible to remind you of your conversation or topic/they would be great to work with in the future! Practice those basic questions! Can be the same as the top 10 interview questions like.......tell me a little about yourself. Peace

I would say, take the "low road". By that, I mean go in there looking at every one of them as somebody that has some advice to give, some experience to learn from, some help to offer. Stay humble, and approach people with the attitude that their experience, time and knowledge is something very valuable. People appreciate someone who can see what they have to offer is worth something and sometimes that makes them want to help you more, and get to know you more. I would also always go in armed with enough cards for the entire room, pass them out and say: Hello, my name is Donald, I do (insert what it is you do or want to do or are looking into) and I love getting to know new people. Any insights from experiences you have had in the job market or even job leads that you might come across, I would be happy to hear about them. Feel free to give me a call, any time .-- something of that nature. That's just an idea, for starters. Here are more: https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/233524

Donald, Are you able to find personal one on one networking opportunities in your area? I don’t have any professional contacts outside of friends and family and their not able to provide the career search support I need right now. Being out of work for so long has estranged me from maintaining those type of relationships and I still haven’t figured out how to make it work online. Would you know where I can go to establish local professional networking relationships?

Hi Donald, I agree.. this is a real good question. Icebreakers! Preparing well thought out questions to ask professionals in the room is the best way to engage attendees and initiate productive conversations. Discussions have to be all business either. The best way to break the ice and inspire the spirit of communication is identifying basic commonalities with other people in the room.

Hi Donald, That's a really good question. I think that when you are networking, it's good to connect with people who have similar professional backgrounds or are interested in the same field. That way everyone can speak at a high-level and be interested in the conversations. Networking is really important as you continue forward in your career, so it's always good to try and connect with as many people as possible. This is a great question, so I hope we hear some other opinions.

-Mark