Atlantic City Weekly

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In my July 16 article, I wrote briefly about important aspects of networking when attending a function. A few key points I mentioned were how important it is to meet new people, try not to get stuck with the “time taker uppers” and to make yourself approachable at events.

Many of you in recent weeks have told me that you valued that advice and have tried some of these things at various functions with success. I commend you for going out of your comfort zone and taking the steps necessary to start your journey of efficient networking.

You may ask, ‘Is it that easy?’ Well, it can be, but there are few more important steps that you should know and follow.

First, the proper etiquette for wearing a name badge is to wear it on your right side. Most people tend to put it on their left; however, the psychology behind it is when you extend your hand for a handshake your eyes naturally aim to the top of the right shoulder. This way if you want to know someone’s name — or if you know the person but just can’t remember his or her name — then you can take that quick glance. On that same note, if you forget someone’s name throughout the evening, don’t be afraid to tell them and ask again because chances are they forgot yours as well.

Second, it can be a bit intimidating when you start talking to all of these new people and collecting all their business cards. You come home at the end of the night and think about all of the great new people you just met. However, once you start to go through all the business cards you realize that you may not remember the exact details from a particular conversation, or — even worse — if you wait a week or so until you go through the cards you most likely won’t even remember what the person looks like. Believe me, it is a tried and true theory. So to alleviate all of the anxiety, the best thing to do is write something on the back of the card as soon as you get it. I usually put the date and place I met the person and then something to remind me of the conversation we had.

Third, make sure you have a firm handshake. People always compliment me on my handshake and it makes a great first impression. Especially with people who aren’t expecting it.

Finally, try not to sit down (even when eating). It is important to make yourself approachable. When you sit down people either won’t notice you or won’t want to bother you. I hope that some of these tips helped.

And don’t worry; there are still a few more up my sleeve so stay tuned.

Whitney’s Radar:

I just got back from an extraordinary conference in Dallas, Texas, for the eWomen Network. As some of you may know, I won an award recently as an emerging leader in southern New Jersey by the local chapter of eWomen Network and was selected as one of 12 women across the United States and Canada for the national honor.

I was so humbled to win. I couldn’t wait to get to Dallas and meet others in the same boat as me, as well as get expert advice from well-known people in specific fields such as sales, marketing, accounting and finances. There were over 2,500 women of all ages (a few guys too) and everyone was so open, friendly, and, best of all, willing to give advice. It was truly a blessing to meet all of these great people and I came home feeling enlightened, inspired and definitely motivated.

Every woman ought to go at least once to this annual conference to understand the seriousness of how this organization truly wants to empower women and to understand the depth of the relationships that can be built.

For now, I have a better idea. I realized that I don’t have to go halfway across the country to get this same experience on a monthly basis. We are so fortunate to have many groups like this in our area and eWomen is definitely a powerful one to be a part of. I know that every time I leave our monthly meeting I always come away with the same sentiments as I did upon leaving Texas. Come out and see what the buzz is all about and meet the local chapter’s executive managing director Marilyn Kleinberg. You think I know everyone, try talking to her! The meetings are every third Friday of the month in Atlantic County (breakfast) and every first Wednesday in Voorhees (lunch). Check out www.ewomennetwork.com/chapter/snj for more details. Happy networking!

Dishing out advice on various topics to our female readers on issues related to networking, dating, employment, news, events, shopping and much more. She is the current president of the Greater Atlantic City Jaycees and owner of My Jewels by Whitney.