After a nice introductory online relationship, you want to meet with the other person to find out if you really see eye to eye and could each other professionally. Deep inside, you secretly wish you could close a business deal with the other person. Do the right things, one step at a time, and your wish may become a reality sooner than you think. Which steps can you take to safely meet new people offline? Keep reading.

1.    Get lost!
Find the right place for the right mood. First meetings should always occur in a public place. Choose a busy place where you can feel comfortable and can get lost… camouflaged in the crowd like a chameleon (with your partner, if everything goes fine; go it alone, if things don’t work out with the other person).
Avoid: arranging an initial face-to-face meeting at an apartment.

2.    Get talkative
Choose a place where you can talk and get to know each other without a great deal of effort or without disturbing others. Restaurants and cafeterias make good places for first business networking meetings; libraries do not.
Avoid: movie theaters for romantic first dates.

3.    Timing
Consider public transportation and office hours when setting a first meeting. Most business networking groups meet during working hours or at breakfast/lunch times.
Avoid: meeting at inconvenient hours, especially, late hours.

4.    Careful with the booze
If you drink too much during a first meeting (or worse, before) you will regret it later. You will not only show a lack of consideration to the other person, but you will also compromise your judgment.
Avoid: getting stone drunk, you, drunkard!

5.    Invite a friend
Most people will not object if you go to a first meeting with a friend, not even on romantic dates. You will pick up the tab for your friend, of course. If you find that none of your friends are available, at least call some of them or a relative and explain you will go out and meet a stranger. Give as much information as possible. Take this as an opportunity to arrange a mid-date call (see next tip).
Avoid: pickups.

6.    Arrange a Ringtone
If you have/want to go alone, ask a friend to call you at a specific time. This way, you will have a pretext to tell someone else where you are. It works well as a perfect excuse to leave if you feel bored to death during your first meeting.
Avoid: having a 10+ minute cell phone conversation with your friend.

Assuming you and the other person(s) honestly introduced yourselves online (OK, women DO lie about their ages as well as men do regarding their athletic bodies, anyways), the above common sense tips will do just fine. Heed them and you will enjoy meeting people offline; ignore them and instead of a rewarding first encounter, you may run into trouble. Get more information (a nice way to say, “Be Suspicious!”) if the other person does not agree to follow these suggestions.

If you liked this article, tell all your friends about it. They’ll thank you for it. If you have a blog or website, you can link to it or even post it to your own site (don’t forget to mention www.meetingwave.com as the original source).

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Social networking sites are not only being used by teenagers anymore, but are now increasingly being used by large businesses all over world.  Many of the most popular sites on the internet are social networking sites.  This is because people, by nature, have an innate need and desire to socialize with other people, and to effectively communicate with one another.  But in today’s 21st century high tech world, this has become easier than ever.  And with this ability to socialize with people all over the world, as well as connect with old friends, it also can be a very good avenue for generating business.

The first step if you want to utilize social networking sites for your business is to identify the specific market you’re looking to target.  Do a careful search of what specific, age group, or income bracket, might be using each network, and tap into that group.  Depending on what type of business you may have, you can use this target marketing approach, to target the specific kind of market you’re looking for, and successfully use these networking opportunities to build your business.  But how does social networking work?

Social networking is a series of social websites, which have platforms where you can interact with other members, share comments and pictures.  Social networking sites are great opportunities for meeting people, as well as establishing a friendly, and reliable customer base, that you can keep in direct contact with.  Some of the most popular social networking sites used today are Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, and Friendster, just to name a few.  But these are only a small segment of the thousands of social networking sites out there.  They have social networking sites specifically designed for businesses, to showcase certain products, to even contact with other business professionals in your industry.  If used properly, social networking sites can be a primary component to your business marketing plan.

All you have to do is to go to any of these thousands of sites and quickly register and create a profile.  Your profile could include pictures and promotions for your business, as well as stories that tell how you got started, and where your business is going in the future.  You want me make sure that you make yourself accessible, where it’s not only a cold site that just explains your business, but explains why you’re in business and why they can trust you.  Find people on the site and start adding them as contacts and friends, and build good relationships with people who will respect your business efforts, work hard to pass along the word, and promote your business to their friends and family.

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There are all sorts of receptions, from social and intimate to commercial and luxurious.  At the same time, a reception can be a party, a networking event, a trade show, a press conference, a seminar, or a meeting.

You certainly have attended at least one, be it to socialize and meet people, or to take care of business, and, according to your goals and wishes, you can decide to host such a reception to build up your company’s name and business by generating leads, promoting partnerships, and sharing opportunities.

First of all, define a goal.  This will guide the planning of your reception in a way that will make it easy to achieve.  Plan regular meetings to check on the progress and keep track of all updates.

Second, match the reception to fit your company.  Make it reflect who you are and what your company stands for.  Be original and imprint your personality in every detail.

Third, know your audience.  You really have to know what your attendees need, desire, and like.  A general reception will not be as strong as one with a very specific goal or topic, where connections will be deeper and results more accurate.

Fourth, define how big the reception will be and how much you will spend.  In this way, you will avoid negative last minute surprises.

Fifth, get help.  Get an assistant, even if you want to approve the smallest detail, you must learn to delegate, since during the reception you will have too many things and people to attend to.

Sixth, double check everything right before the event to make sure you haven’t forgotten anything; during it, have timelines, checklists, agendas and contact numbers on hand, and after the reception, discuss what you liked, what you can do better next time, and what you missed.

Planning a business reception can really put your company out there, tag it as a leader, and guide you through the big door of success.

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Sometimes as the leader of a team, club or organization, or even at a business networking event, you will be required to make an oral presentation.  If just the thought of that makes you squirm, here are some things to focus on that will help to take some of the pressure away.

Be sure to dress both appropriately for the group you are addressing and your own comfort.  That doesn’t mean you can wear sweats for a business presentation, but it does mean you can opt for a business casual look if that suits you better than a jacket and tie.  Most importantly, be neat and together looking.

The group you are speaking to will take their cues from you so be aware of your body language and attitude.  If the group gets the impression you don’t want to be there, neither will they.  If you can convey interest and enthusiasm, everyone will enjoy the presentation.

Even if you’re nervous, remind yourself to sound confident.  Speak clearly in a volume that is comfortable for you and audible to the group.

Prepare your presentation well.  Make a rough draft to work from that you can add and delete items from as you plan your talk.  Make a list of the points you want to cover and use this to speak from.  Never use a fully written speech as it is too easy to lose your place.  Make your bullets large and easy to read.

Rehearse your presentation well and if you can, present it in front of a friend or colleague.

Well before your presentation make sure that all your equipment is in place and set up properly.  If you are using slides, make sure they are in order and that you have their order marked on your presentation cards.

When delivering your presentation, be sure not to rush. Speak at a normal conversational tone and allow people to absorb what you are saying.

Although it’s easy to get distracted with other thoughts once you start talking, try hard to stay on topic.  Going off on a tangent can result in the focus of the talk being lost.

Keep this three-point mantra in mind:
•    State what you will be covering

•    Cover it

•    Restate what you covered

Some things to avoid:
•    Don’t talk to the screen
•    Don’t stand in front of screen
•    Don’t move around too much

By following these simple guidelines, you should have no problem giving a presentation that will not only go smoothly, it will be well remembered!

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You may be among the thousands who go to a networking event, collect lots of business cards and later can’t remember who 98% of these people are.  Well, if you do not want to be among others’ 98%, you must become unforgettable during business networking, otherwise, you won’t be receiving follow up calls and you won’t be in the minds of potential customers or partners for future needs or referrals.

Here are 5 infallible tips to leave a positive mark when meeting people for business:

1.    Make yourself stand out. A very nice suit, an original tie or a colorful piece of jewelry, can help you be noticeable in a good way.  You do not want to be remembered just by the way you dress, but it can surely separate you from the crowd and make it easier to remember the rest of you.  Make yourself a bit different from the rest in a stylish way.

2.    Be present. Stay fully engaged and aware of the people around you.  Pay attention when people talk, respond fast and intelligently and keep eye contact.  These will come naturally if you are present in the moment, and you will certainly stand out, as most people are kind of disconnected, thinking about the past or the future.

3.    Ask intelligent and caring questions. Questions like: How did you get started? Or, What do you enjoy most about what you do? are questions that show interest in the other person.  However, the best questions are very specific to the person you are talking to, and will come up as you engage in a conversation with them.  These will arise once you take genuine interest in others and their reality.

4.    Highlight your keywords. People will mostly remember key aspects of you: name, company name, industry, product and location, thus, make these stand out during the conversation in a natural way.  Tell them about the story behind your name or your company’s name, talk about something that happened close to your business, or the unexpected way in which you started your company.  It can be anything, as long as it is interesting and reinforces your image in people’s minds.

5.    Play a part in the group’s conversation. Don’t just say anything, respond or comment in an intelligent way and make yourself an important part of the conversation.  Create value for others and you will create it for yourself.

Remember that you are your business, and the impression you give will impact it directly, thus, make it stand out and make it unforgettable!

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Did you know that an increasingly large number of job vacancies are filled without the chosen candidate responding to a vacancy advert? The reason for this? Through the world of networking, a candidate often learns about a soon-to-be vacancy before it is even advertised and an employer learns about the best possible replacement without having started a search for one.

If you’re out of work and looking to maximize your chances of finding the job you want – especially in this difficult economical climate -learn how to network and watch how many job opportunities begin to fly your way!

The goal
Your aim when networking is to make contact with as many relevant people as possible – directly or indirectly related to your field of work. Your goal is to create some sort of relationship with them so that they are aware of your need for a job, are aware of your assets and skills and they remember you if an opportunity rises that could interest you. They may also be contacts you can use to acquire information about which posts are being vacated, which are being created or just to give you valuable advice about certain career routes or employers that you could not find elsewhere.

Use your existing networks
Many of us are already in touch with valuable networks through our family and friends. Make your need for a job known to those you know and you might be surprised who they in turn might know and could put you in touch with.

Make new networks
Attend conferences, industry events and trade shows related to your field and make more contacts. Also, the Internet is a great place to find new networks to belong to. Do a search and see if there are any existing networks related to your field that it would be valuable to join. Don’t just rely on communication via forums and email to sustain your relationships. The best business networking is done in person where people have a better opportunity to talk in length and remember each other too. Search for business networking events or other meetings related to your field to meet people online and later get together offline. You can also take the initiative to organize your own networking occasions through the site by posting a request.

Manage your networks well
Once you have established some good networks, make sure you use them well. Keep a database of new contacts with key information about them. Stay in regular communication with them, ensuring you and your job need are remembered, and don’t be afraid to ask for help, advice or information when needed – most people like to feel useful to someone else. Finally, don’t forget to let your new contacts know they are valuable to you – remember to thank people and show them they are appreciated.

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Seniors who may live alone, or may live far away from loved ones and close friends can benefit immensely from using social networking sites.  These social networking sites may offer a welcome connection to the outside world for seniors who may not be able to get out as much as they would like.  Social websites may be intimidating at first, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll be surfing the web in no time, with the proficiency of any teenager on your block.  The first thing you must do is to get over your fear of computers and social networking sites and dive right in.

Social networking sites can be great places to meet people, keep in contact with friends and family, share pictures and videos, even to make new friends all over the world.  The first thing you’ll want to do is to spend some time on your computer, perhaps looking up interesting things in Google, to get a feel for your computer.  Many senior citizens after a few weeks become more proficient at using the computer than any teenager or young adult, because of their extensive life experience and high knowledge levels.

Many senior citizens may feel certain apprehensions about using social networking sites due to a multitude of reasons.  The truth is that the senior citizen age group is one of the fastest growing demographics on social networking sites, as more networking sites are starting to cater to an older, more sophisticated generation.  Popular sites like Facebook and Myspace have gone to great lengths to make their sites more accessible to senior citizens, as well as giving them more features specifically designed to an older demographic.

Social networking is not for kids anymore, just ask the Agewell Foundation who has recently announced plans to launch InteractWell, a social networking site specifically designed for senior citizens.  Not only is it a place for seniors to come together and interact, but a place for them to share their views regarding life experiences, all across the globe.  Sites like these offer senior citizens a way to interact with other seniors who may feel as apprehensive about social networking as they do.  It is a great place to meet other seniors who have similar interests, not to mention contact lost friends and family that may have grown out of touch.  With the support of other seniors learning to use social networking sites for the first time, it will help ease your mind about using these sites and open you up to a whole new world of interaction and communication.

Most social networks are free and only require an email address and password.  Once you go to the site and set up your free account you’re ready to upload pictures and start making friends as soon as possible.  You can set up your profile to express yourself in any way you see fit, and interact with people from all over the world, with the same passion and zest for life as you have.  All you have to do is sign up and sign on, and you’ll be an expert in social networking in no time.

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If you’d like to meet a group of people who share the same hobby as you, you might want to start a local hobby group yourself. Sounds like a great deal of work? It doesn’t have to be! Read our guide to starting a hobby group using these easy-to-do steps.

Advertise
Go onto the web and scout for sites related to your hobby – preferably those which are locally-based. See if any of these sites have message forums where you can generate interest in your group by posting information or starting conversation threads about it. They are also great places to initiate contact with people who share the same hobby. If you’re willing and able, you could even create your own website and forum (look for places that offer free websites if budget is a problem). Place notices about your group around the local community too – in libraries, community centers or areas that your potential hobby-lovers are likely to visit. Enlist your friends and you could even hand out fliers prior to your first meeting.

Organize
Visit an established networking website that offers tools for meeting people. You have the possibility to post details about your hobby group’s meeting. This attracts visitors who are looking to join hobby groups and meet like-minded people. If someone is interested in your group, you will be contacted by email and have a chance to approve their acceptance. If you’d like help with starting your group, you could even post an invitation to meet another person who might be interested in helping you host the group prior to organizing your event.

Where to meet
Contact your local library, community center or church who might be willing to lend you a room or hire one for a small fee. Or chose a suitable public place where your first meeting can take place – a quiet cafe would be great if you are starting a book club or a local park if you’re starting a frisbee-playing group. Later on, once you get to know people, and if appropriate, you may choose to meet at your home – in a basement, living room or backyard – or organize taking turns meeting up in the homes of group members.

Maintaining your group
Periodically ask your group members about their expectations from your hobby group. By staying in touch with their thoughts and needs, your group members will continue to want to be part of your hobby group.

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Business networking has become one of the most successful and cost effective ways to get your message across and make new contacts. The key is to have a good strategy and a clear purpose of what it is you’re trying to accomplish.  What kind of business relationships are you looking to form?  What is your business offering in return?

1.  Have Definitive Objectives:
It is important in business networking, when deciding what you are looking for and what you are looking to give out, to have clear, definitive objectives.  You should have a clear focus on what your business networking efforts are trying to accomplish, and what company is going to benefit from networking with you.

2.  Identify the Target:
Make a list of all of all the kinds of people you intend on marketing to, including marketing connections you might already have, to strengthen and bolster your efforts.

3.  Define Yourself:
Quickly identify what it is that you are planning to exchange in return for these goods and services, if it is going to be information, clients, contacts, etc.  If you have a clear idea of this relationship, on your end, as well as on their end, you will have a clear path to success.

4.  Listen Actively:
Be an active listener as you approach your networking partners, and get to know and identify all possible connections, services you could offer, what they can do in return, etc. Listen very closely and try to read between the lines and figure out any possible advantages that may come up.   Also, if you can perform a favor for someone else, then by all means do it.  Meet people and become a person that is well-known for being generous and trustworthy, and you will receive this treatment in return.

5.  What Are You Really about?
Write a clear essay of what your company is really about and what solution business networking will give to your business.  Find common ground with your business networking contacts and know them on a personal level, as well as a professional one.  Part of the most effective business networking strategy is to maintain great relationships, by forming great relationships with people you can help, and people that can help you.  It is not greedy to want somebody to help you, just as it is not foolish to help somebody that needs it.  It is common sense in business and a fundamental principle, that building strong business relationships means building a strong and powerful business.

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