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fiat_knoxJust saw this blog asking about the best exit strategy in a social networking event. I thought I'd share my experiences, and tactics, in that blog's comments section:-
At most once in every networking event, you can stop and think of something. Do a subtle facepalm, look sincere and tell the person "I don't want to let you go or anything, but last night I forgot to ask if [insert name] will be dropping by here. I've got to send [him/her] an urgent text to remind [him/her].'
You can use that once per event, and once only ever with the same person.
THE best way of ending a conversation is to put on a "brainwave" expression, say something like "Funny you should say that. I just thought of something. Can I introduce you to [insert name]?" and, assuming [insert name] is not currently occupied, lead the person over and make the casual introduction. Then separate whilst these people are engaged in the new conversation.
Best to have worked the room, shaken a few hands and obtained some names to begin with, though, if you're to make this tactic work.
The best graceful exit is to literally snatch a passer-by and drag [him/her] into the conversation, then excuse yourself using the excuse that you have to refill your glass or coffee cup and conveniently forget where you parked them.
If you don't mind acting like a wingman to someone else at times, with practice you'll have no problems in taking over and exiting conversations at will.
At most once in every networking event, you can stop and think of something. Do a subtle facepalm, look sincere and tell the person "I don't want to let you go or anything, but last night I forgot to ask if [insert name] will be dropping by here. I've got to send [him/her] an urgent text to remind [him/her].'
You can use that once per event, and once only ever with the same person.
THE best way of ending a conversation is to put on a "brainwave" expression, say something like "Funny you should say that. I just thought of something. Can I introduce you to [insert name]?" and, assuming [insert name] is not currently occupied, lead the person over and make the casual introduction. Then separate whilst these people are engaged in the new conversation.
Best to have worked the room, shaken a few hands and obtained some names to begin with, though, if you're to make this tactic work.
The best graceful exit is to literally snatch a passer-by and drag [him/her] into the conversation, then excuse yourself using the excuse that you have to refill your glass or coffee cup and conveniently forget where you parked them.
If you don't mind acting like a wingman to someone else at times, with practice you'll have no problems in taking over and exiting conversations at will.
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(no subject)
Date: 2010-10-02 10:00 am (UTC)probably not the best social move but never mind.
(no subject)
Date: 2010-10-02 03:13 pm (UTC)Second time around, though, is different. It's always different. By then I'll have worked the room already the first time, and not only am I more able to break up the groups - I do a lot more mid-air snatching and graceful reweaving of the web so as to break up "all the old familiar faces" and leave people stranded among strangers halfway across the room.
Though next time, I'll have bigger business cards. And probably get better quality textured card to print them on.