S2E8: Networking & Parties with Sean Hand

In Episode 8, we spoke with Sean Hand about networking, more specifically how to transfer the networking skills of the office to dinner parties, weddings, and more. In this episode, Sean shares a lot of great stories and tips on how to prepare for an event ahead of time. Not only that, but we talk about how to best utilize your plus ones at an event (and/or be the best plus one you can be). We're looking forward to sharing this episode with you all and hope you enjoy it as much as we did.

Sean is the founder of a professional development website – AwkwardNetworker.com as well the Awkward Networker Podcast to help his global audience achieve networking success in their personal and professional lives. He has spoken to a wide range of audiences across the country and has been known to help improve the personal brand of thousands of people. Sean is a tireless advocate for young professional mentorship, with a passion for philanthropy, organizational development, and public speaking. He sits on multiple non-profit and professional organization boards, with many leadership and developmental roles therein.

Show Notes:

• Meet Sean Hand

  • How Chrystina + Sean met

  • Sean's Day Job

  • The start of Awkward Networker

• Extroverts and Introverts

• APQ: Audience, Purpose, Questions

  • A: Plan ahead to know your audience

    • Do your research on events

    • Searching Facebook ahead of time for parties

  • P: What's your purpose?

  • Q: Create two questions specific enough to be interesting

• Tips for Networking

  • What's the first thing you say to somebody

  • Warming up ahead of time

• Tips for being the / having the Plus One

  • Get the ground rules down

  • The Plus One is responsible for names

• Tips for being the Host or Hostess

• What are you planning right now?

  • Chrystina: Her weekends

  • Sean: A Salt Lake City, UT work trip

  • Jessica: Vacation and camping

• What's happening in your kitchen?

  • Jessica: Local 30 challenge

  • Sean: No cheese

  • Chrystina: Haven't cooked a meal in 3 weeks

• How are you staying in touch?

  • Chrystina: One line emails to people

  • Sean: Thank you notes and trinkets

  • Jessica: Photography business hellos

• What are you into right now?

  • Jessica: The Dirty Life

  • Sean: Golf

  • Chrystina: Her travel mug

• Find us online:

  • Sean Hand

    • The Awkward Networker Website

    • The Awkward Networker Facebook

    • Sean's Twitter

Gatherings Podcast: Facebook, Twitter

Chrystina’s Contact Info: Homepage, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest

Jessica’s Contact Info: Sweet Love & Ginger, Old Wisdom Wellness, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest