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Once you’ve found your own right fit, what can you to do help RGA welcome guests? How can you help RGA grow and thrive, for guests and members alike?

Be an ambassador!

Approach a new person at the meeting.
Make eye contact.
Be personable: smile and extend your hand in greeting. Introduce the guest to your RGA group leader and to others you know who will welcome guests.
Ask the person’s name. Ask about his/her business or role!
Suggest an introduction to someone in a related field, and make that introduction right away!
Share your own positive experience within the RGA network: How has it helped your business?
Allow enough “breathing space” so your new acquaintance doesn’t feel pressured.
Develop rapport by finding common interests beyond networking.
Openly appreciate something about the person—smile? career choice? demeanor?
Remember to follow-up after the meeting. RGA encourages MOMs and DADs! (For visitors to this blog, that means “Meeting Outside the Meeting,” and “Discussion After Dinner.)

A humorous look at ways to welcome guests to your RGA network!

Keep in mind that not every guest is accompanied by the person who extended the invitation. If you are comfortable being an “ambassador” for your RGA network, you can keep an unaccompanied guest from feeling awkward or out of place. Do you remember how you felt the first time you walked into a new networking group, not knowing a soul? What made you feel you “belonged”? Build on those experiences when you welcome guests!

 

If you’re less comfortable being an ambassador, you can welcome guests simply by being friendly and helpful. Smile, offer your hand, and make an introduction. Make another. And another. You’ll notice when a good connection is made, and you can confidently leave the “newbie” and help someone else get acquainted!

The “rules” for welcoming a guest to your RGA meetings are the same as the “rules” for making a guest in your home feel comfortable: be welcoming, be polite, and be interested.

Someone new to the group will welcome your overture.

Someone new to you will recognize you as an “über networker,” dedicated to helping others make connections and build success.