Network like a pro - reading body language

Reading a room is a skill that is learned. Here is a guide for nonverbal cues that will help at your next networking event. 1) Is the person facing outward/open to the action and smiling? That is a person who is giving an invitation to talk. Go network! 2) Is there a bored looking group, talking sporadically, looking at phone a lot? If you can liven up the party with them, you will be a hero. If you are not up for that, this group will be hard to break into. 3) Big smile, aggressive hand shaker, business cards at the ready? He's selling something...run. Those folks rarely want to help others - they are there to collect cards. 4) Solo person but with a smile? Offer conversation. Those situations often offer the most bang for the buck as everyone is grateful to find a group at a party. The note to self is which one of these groups do you fall into at a party? You may be ruining your chances of great networking opportunities if you use the wrong non-verbal cues.