E. Gordan

Everyone knows you are supposed to make time for networking, but wouldn't it be nice if your networking suddenly started to happen automatically?

On my flight back from Florida on Sunday night I sat next to the nicest guy - we literally talked for the entire flight. By the end he couldn't wait to buy my book for his wife. Yesterday at the bank I met someone who now wants to tell all her clients about my book and business, and today while waiting for an elevator, I met a woman who after our 2 minute exchange, said the same thing.

Attract the right people to you like bees to honey with these Chic Tips to improve your networking skills:

• Expect to meet great people everywhere you go. Networking opportunities are everywhere. I once met a new client standing in line at the post office. She noticed the high heel label on my package and couldn't help but inquire. Be especially alert and curious during mundane activities or when things haven't gone as planned. Instead of getting frustrated when your flight is cancelled, think, maybe I am going to meet someone fabulous here.

• Use humor and observations to break the ice. Show that you are a fun person to be around and that you are genuinely pleased to enjoy their company and your time together (even if it is just a few seconds). No matter what you do, everyone likes to do business with people they like and who they think like them. You don't even have to use words - a kind and lighthearted demeanor can be communicated entirely non-verbally with your eyes and your smile. So if you are more introverted let your face do the talking while you warm up.

• Be interested and interesting. Mention facts or events you have heard or read about recently. Add your opinion and your personality to the conversation. Mine past experiences for stories that help define who you are as a person and what your life and your work is all about. Serve up small slices of your work life at a time without drowning them in minutia. Everyone's work and everyone's life can be fascinating when described that way.

• Describe what you do in a way that anyone in any field can understand it - consider this your layman's version of your elevator pitch that you can use with those who may not be at all familiar with your field. Make it intriguing, so they can't help but ask to know more. If you're a drama queen don't overdo it, but if you tend to be more dry, add in an extra little special spice all your own to make yourself memorable and different. I help rich people stay out of jail, is a lot more intriguing than, I'm a tax accountant.

• Choose your locations wisely. Different types of people hang out in different types of places. It is not random who you meet where. The types of people who take meetings at coffee shop chains are different than those meeting at the local bean house, as with those who meet at a private business club, the lobby at the Ritz, the parking lot at the Holiday Inn, an eclectic lounge, a gallery opening, the dog park, or the smoothie shop at the gym. Know what types of people you are looking to meet and make their hang outs, your hang outs.

• Realize that you are always on. Be conscious of your appearance and who you are being, even when you are not technically working. If you happen to be dressed out of your normal character, make a joke of it - 'I can't believe you caught me with out my heels on,' is a favorite line of mine.

So don't be shy, be chic. Networking is one of best ways to grow a business. Don't sweat it if you don't feel like a pro yet. With your Chic Personality - everyone you meet will enjoy meeting you.

Elizabeth Gordon is the founder of Flourishing Business ®, an advisory firm for entrepreneurs. A visionary leader with a passion for helping others achieve their entrepreneurial dreams, Elizabeth advises, consults and coaches entrepreneurs and business leaders helping them to achieve their business goals.