In January, Sarah had the opportunity and pleasure of speaking at this year’s Special Event Show in New Orleans. Audrey Gordon of Audrey Gordon Parties in Chicago invited Sarah to speak at her annual seminar. This year’s topic was “The Art of the Schmooze”: Relationship Building at its Best!” Sarah spoke with Ken Kristoffersen from Experiential Events in Calgary, Nick Gentile from A.O.O. Events in Los Angeles and an all-star panel including Michael Cerbelli (Total Entertainment) and Richard Carbotti (Perfect Surroundings). The dynamic team delivered the true definition of “schmooze” provided tips from a personal and event standpoint.
Below are some of Sarah’s top tips.
- Have Confidence
-Small talk leads to interesting conversation
-Remember small details
-Ask questions
-Listen
-Remember peoples’ names
-Make eye contact
-Be well informed so you can speak on many topics
-Be personable
-Be sincere
-Be genuine
-Be open minded
-Engage someone in their expertise to gain knowledge and interest
The art of being a good schmoozer is knowing when the right time is to get involved in the conversation and when to listen.
How do people, who are shy and/or not comfortable with a group of people they do not know, start a conversation:
-Need to have a genuine interest in people
-Be friendly
-Be present (don’t join a conversation and have a wandering eye)
-Don't talk about yourself as it is not interesting and you already know about yourself
-Ask questions (people love to talk about themselves)
-Ask a question about one’s profession (how did you come to
choose this profession?). With a new couple - how did you two meet? Try not to ask mechanical questions or appear mechanical ... Show/have a genuine interest in who you are speaking with
-Try to roll play with friends or practice in front of a mirror prior to going into a room of people you do not know
-Confidence – Schmoozing once and being successful builds one’s confidence - experience a successful “shmoozefest” and you are on your way to becoming a natural schmoozer
-Practice the art of relaxation (i.e. deep breathing)
How to start a conversation?
*Depends on the environment…
-Initiation
-Introduction - common ground
-Relate
-Having a wingman can make an easier introduction with a schmoozing team
*Pictured (from left to right): Audrey Gordon, Nick Gentile and Sarah Lowy