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: diane@convengine.com