THE SKILL OF SCHMOOZING

Carol Kleiman

Chicago Tribune

Everyone who has a job or who wants to get one knows the value of networking. That's because the mantra of work survival is network, network, network.

And what comes next is this: When you attend a meeting of your professional association or any other kind of get-together with colleagues or potential contacts, be sure to make connections.

"By working a room you might be able to position yourself for a new and better job or to move up the career ladder," says Kim Nehls, a part-time instructor of communications at the University of Nevada at Las Vegas. "And even if you don't get a job or promotion right away, working a room might be very helpful down the line."

Nehls, who has a bachelor of arts degree in speech communications and political science and a master's in speech communications, also is working toward her doctorate in higher education administration.

As part of her teaching assignment for the university, she has given a popular continuing education course since 2000 titled "How to work a room."

Nehls also recently gave a talk on the subject at the annual Administrative Professionals Conference.

"Working a room gets you inside information that you need to land and keep a job," Nehls said.

Four years ago, the instructor was asked "out of the blue" to give the course on networking by a university contact she met, not surprisingly, through working the room.

And when she refers to working a room, that "room" can be any event from a formal network or professional association meeting to a dinner party, wedding, informal gathering, parent-teacher meeting or at Starbucks, "Nehls said.

The instructor teaches how to be successful at navigating a room when you're looking for a job or job information or when you want to meet an insider who knows all about the company your work for or want to work for.

For each of these occasions, know in advance exactly what you want to ask for or to learn, she advises.

"Have confidence before you walk into an event and be prepared to make a lot of good contacts," she suggested. "If you can learn about the people who are going to be there. Rehearse what you plan to say and carefully go over the questions you want to ask."

Don't be shy of feel embarrassed about approaching people, Nehls said. "Even if it's no a formal networking meeting, people usually try to help you. Introduce yourself by giving your name and saying you're looking for a job Don't be shy about asking. People can't read your mind."

But won't it be obvious that you're intent on working the room? It might be – but it's OK.

"Don't be shy about going form person to person," she said. "You might be surprised who's in the room."

After you shake all those hands, give and get business cards and jot down notes about the people you've met, be sure to contact them later to find out how they can help you.

And during the entire process, try to relax. Don't dread asking even strangers for directions.