I spend a fair amount of time on this blog talking about professional development, personal branding, networking and making connections. I guess the easier part may actually be making connections through our on and offline activities.

I believe and studies support, that there is an “art and science” to people being drawn to and attracted to each other on many levels. It begins, as you would suspect, with the purely PHYSICAL.

“We appear to effortlessly judge the aesthetics of both landscapes and buildings – it is certainly possible that the same evolved cognitive mechanisms are operative whether we judge a person to be attractive or a landscape to be beautiful.” *research findings published by Texas A&M University professor Louis G. Tassinary and co-author Kerri Johnson of New York University.

Tip #1-Dress  and Groom for Success
If you are going to a professional event, dress appropriately, but to stand out and celebrate your style. Wear something that looks really good on you and use a touch of color and accessory. Don’t overdo the scent, just a touch.

“The studies by Jamieson, Lydon and Zanna (1987, 1988) showed that attitude similarity could predict how people evaluate their respect for each other, and social and intellectual first impressions which in terms of activity preference similarity and value-based attitude similarity respectively”

Tip #2- Research Your ‘Attitude  Similarity Points’
The Internet gives any one, full access to research about people, industries, history, current events, trends. Who is speaking? What topics are being discussed? What are the current hot trends surrounding the speakers and industry?
Prepare yourself both industry wise and don’t be afraid to discuss current events, your hobbies and passions.

“Byrne, Clore and Worchel (1966) suggested people with similar economic status are likely to be attracted to each other.”

Tip #3-You Can Upgrade Your Status
These days, people are mixing much more with others with diverse backgrounds and education. Economic and educational status can still be a boundary, but if you are successful in your own life, that vibe will attract you to many. Don’t be afraid to interact in circles that you might have not have before. Build your confidence and have something to serve, say and offer. Don’t get hung up in how much money or degrees you may or may not have. Focus on what you have accomplished and how you have served your community, which can be very comparable to how they have.

Tip #4- Practice, be confident and be consistent
The art of chit chat is an aquired taste and skill for many, but you can get more comfortable and better at it! These days offline networking is essential to taking relationships to the next level. Commit to certain events, groups and activities, get involved, test, measure and see what can work the best for you.

I found this great post, by John Baldoni, on the Harvard Business Review with some additional ideas and approaches..

Tips for Making Small Talk With Bigwigs

How do you make chit chat with people and what works for you?