|
Ellen A. Kaye as featured in . . .
Tips On the Delicate Art of Schmoozing
By Jeff Slutsky
Social
settings can be great places to make and reinforce business contacts, is your
key, social faux paus according to Ellen Kaye, of Scottsdale, Arizona based Perfect Presentations which specializes in
training executives to improve their skills in communication, presentations,
leadership image and etiquette.
Learning some simple social graces can go along way in helping you
position yourself in your community, get referrals, and make key
contacts. What are the characteristics
of a great "schmoozer"? I
recently had the opportunity to observe Ellen in action at two different events but with entirely different
results.
 The first was
in New York for the broadcast of Live with Regis and Kathy
Lee. When Ellen was a full time actress, Kathy Lee Gifford and Ellen appeared
in several Carnival Cruise Lines commercials together and became good
acquaintances. While Ellen was in New
York, Kathy Lee made arrangements for her to be a studio guest at
the show. Though they hadn't seen each
other in several years, Kathy Lee graciously greeted Ellen and introduced her to the audience.
Though the encounter was brief, Ellen felt that Kathy Lee was totally focuses on her. Ellen also noticed when she greeted several other guests in the audience,
each time, Kathy Lee made that person feel like they were the only one in
the world. This is the mark of a great
schmoozer.
A
completely contrasting experience happened at a black-tie fund raiser. There were many celebrities and influential
people there. Ellen was also the acquaintance of a major network affiliate news anchor
(who shall remain nameless) and she greeted Ellen. But unlike Kathy Lee, this celebrity was cold and unattentive. Her eyes darted around looking for the next
person to greet. Her actions certainly
didn't make either of us feel special and she didn't come across genuine at
all. This is the mark of a
"looser schmoozer." Both
meetings lasted for only several minutes but the response was totally
different.
When
you go to different social events where you'll greet business contacts, be
prepared to be gracious, charming, and interesting to everyone you meet. You never know where the next big lead or
contact will come from. Ellen has the following suggestions:
·
When you shake
hands and talk with someone, look into their eyes. Avoid looking around even if you're
distracted. Let them feel that, for
that brief moment, that they're the only person you care
about at this event.
·
If it's time to
move on, excuse yourself graciously, them it was good to see them again, then
offer your hand and leave.
·
When you greet
someone, introduce your with your name, even if you think they already know
it. This helps them avoid potential
embarrassment.
·
If you forget
someone's name, generally it's best and safest to simply say, "You know,
I'm really sorry but I forgot you're name." Then when they tell you respond as if you
recognize the name, "oh that's right.
My mind was a blank.
·
Hold your
beverage in your left hand to keep your right hand free for shaking. This is particularly important if your
beverage is cold. Holding a cold
beverage in your right hand will make your hand shake cold and clammy.
Ellen A. Kaye, leadership
development consultant, is an
internationally recognized expert on polished
presentation, crisp communication skills, powerful leadership image, media
training and etiquette. Kaye is the author of the best selling business book “Maximize
Your Presentation Skills: How to Speak, Look and Act on Your Way to the Top.”
Kaye coaches individuals, consults with
companies and speaks and traines to organizations worldwide, including:
Fortune 500 corporations, entrepreneurs, sales and marketing professionals in
all industries, celebrities, and many more. Kaye is the founder of Perfect
Presentation®, a multi-faceted consulting, coaching and speaking firm. www.ellenkaye.com ellen@ellenkaye.com
« Hire Ellen A. Kaye Now! «
Call:
480-391-9888 or email: ellen@ellenkaye.com
Books
| Topics | Book Ellen | Services | Media about Ellen
FAQ’s
| Meeting Planners | Press Center | About Ellen
Articles
By Ellen | Rave
Reviews | Client List | Ask
Ellen
Send Site | Contact Us | Videos | Sponsors| Home
|
