Preparing for my first time at a PWA Networking Aperitivo, I felt a bit apprehensive. “What would it be like”, I wondered? Would it be a “super-Tupperware” party, full of ex-homemakers looking to build a career? Or would there be lots of high-powered executives who would ignore me? And regardless, how should I approach these smiling, but unfamiliar women? Would I have anything in common with them? I ended up literally following in the footsteps of my friend Debbie, who had invited me, and the evening was a success. On my first PWA evening I met many interesting women, some of whom I continue to count as friends and contacts even today, years later.
Over time, I’ve created a set of “rules” for myself that help me feel at ease and, above all, ensure I make the most of PWA evenings shared with talented women, with so many interesting experiences.
So how do I survive? Let me share with you my “Seven Commandments”
- The first few times you arrive, don't hesitate to ask a board member to introduce you to a longstanding member who can involve you in a new group or conversation
- Bring your business card. If you're between jobs, you can always print out your own cards using services like www.vistaprint.it
- Give yourself an objective, for example: “tonight I want to speak with 4 different people so that I can remember their names and take away their cards”.
- The day after the aperitivo, log into EuropeanPWN and look up the profiles of the women you met and make them part of your buddy list. Alternatively, use another social network like Linked In (www.linkedin.com) or Viadeo (www.viadeo.it)
- Try to present yourself in two sentences so that you can quickly and simply tell someone who you are and what you do
- Smile, smile, smile, and don't hesitate to repeat the name of the person you are speaking with. For those who are not native English speakers, your grammatical errors and pronunciation will be easily forgiven and forgotten (and vice versa).
- Volunteer for any of the small duties during the event itself
The only thing you shouldn't do? Run away! You may not feel comfortable approaching board members but they are there for you, to help you break the ice and make you feel at home.
So, until the next meeting, “Hi, my name is Axelle, nice to meet you”!