Networking is your superpower!

---

“It’s not just what we know, or who we know. It’s both! Never let shyness or blindness stand in the way of your success.”

Eileen Rivera Ley

Networking helps you meet your personal and professional goals, and the friendships you find through networking make life infinitely more meaningful and fun. Remember, strangers are just people you haven’t met yet. As blind and low vision networkers, you can successfully connect with the people you want to meet when you apply unique “blindness nuances” of networking. Follow these tips from Blind Savvy USA coach, Eileen Rivera Ley, and make your next networking opportunity great!

Plan ahead and set your goals

Perhaps, speak with the host to see who is expected. Ask if there’s anyone you should meet. You may even be able to request a guest list in advance as a reasonable accommodation. Why did you come? You might want to meet five people in the first hour. Or, you might decide to exchange contact information with three new people.

Plan your introduction and talking points

What fun and interesting topics might you discuss? Read books, listen to blogs, and keep up with current events. NFB Newsline is a valuable tool for savvy networkers since you can choose from hundreds of daily newspapers and magazines to read. Best of all, this resource is completely free.

Be ready to exchange contact information

Bring crisp, clean business cards and learn to share your contact information via AirDrop or similar technology. Have an organized way to keep the contacts you receive apart from the ones you are handing out.

Look your best; get noticed for the right reasons

Blind people have an advantage over sighted networkers. We are very noticeable. 95% of the people in the room will be absolutely forgettable. We will not. You have control over our image. Take time to groom and dress well. Choose an outfit with pockets so you can carry only the essentials. This way, you can leave your coat, backpack and purse behind. They only slow you down and add clutter. Make sure your cane is clean and bright or that your dog guide is smelling sweet as well. Use a lint brush to be sure your outfit is free of lint or pet hair. It is all part of your professional image.

Smile, be warm, friendly, and interested in new people

It’s incredibly tempting to go find the person you know best and cling to them throughout the event. Remember that the goal of a networking event is to broaden your circle. You’re doing yourself and your friends a favor because by the end of the event, more people will know one another. The best conversationalists are also the best listeners. Ask good, open-ended questions, and listen well. Answer questions with more than a single word but don’t talk too much. Follow the one-minute rule. If you’ve been talking for more than one minute, ask a question instead.

It’s not about the food, it’s about the fellowship

Don’t head to the food first— the smart networkers know that food comes later, connections come first while guests are fresh and ready to meet new people. I suggest you pick up a beverage, even if it’s water just to keep your hands from fidgeting. Hold the glass in your left hand so that you’re always ready to greet someone with a warm, friendly handshake.

Cane etiquette

I suggest resting your cane in the crook of your arm. Don’t play with your cane while in public, park it in the corner, or use it as a barrier between you and others. Keep it to the side as part of your overall professional, savvy image.

Handle questions about blindness gracefully

Usually personal, medical topics are not appropriate for a first-time meeting. By allowing others to focus only on our blindness, the conversation may get stuck there and you miss the opportunity to build connections. Practice graceful ways to transition into topics which show your many interests and abilities.

Follow up and reconnect

Once you do the hard work of mingling, follow up and connect via LinkedIn or email. Don’t drop the ball or miss great opportunities by failing to reconnect with the contacts you make.

Conclusion