How To Exude Your Professional Presence While Networking
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Last month was a flurry of events and conferences where I found myself in the midst of people I had never met. What fun to stand back and observe first hand some people who exuded executive presence from the minute they entered the room. What a dilemma to watch others struggle throughout the evening, glancing at their watch as if it was going to ring when their time was up and they could leave.



Showing up with executive presence is not a matter of being an extravert with the gift of gab. Rather, it’s showing up exactly as who you are – authentically – while practicing some basic skills anyone can learn. So lean in as I share these stories.



1 – Be prepared: Watch and listen to those who have executive presence.



John came over to our group as we were deep in conversation about the last speaker’s messages. It took a moment for him to enter into the discussion. Instead of disrupting the flow, he waited for the “right time” to share his point of view that was relevant to what we were talking about. Clearly, he had knowledge of the topic plus awareness of when to join in with something meaningful to say. His behaviors and knowledge validated his presence and credibility.



2 – Your image matters: What you wear says so much before you open your mouth.



Leslie just looked like she belonged. As I walked from one workshop to the next, Leslie drew my attention by her intentional stride, her upright posture and her choice of professional business attire. As we entered the room together her smile made it easy to introduce myself and begin a conversation. As I’ve often said – executive presence starts with your image – that opens the door to whether someone engages further with you or not. As a result of me introducing myself, we started a conversation of collaboration which I believe will be one of lasting value to both of us.



3 – Be an SME with a POV: Be known for something – not everything.



William Arruda, my friend and personal branding guru, often says – having a strong personal brand means you are known for something – not everything. During a dinner meeting, several of us were seated with people we had not met. As we made introductions around the room, I was listening for connection points where I could find common interests. One woman in particular seemed to be the expert in everything. As a consultant, she had services from soup to nuts. To hear her spin it, she could have done any workshop for anyone in any industry. That’s not a brand – that’s trying to be all things to all people.