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FEATURE

about their experience for a publication? If you are asked to
do a podcast, perhaps you could suggest this person as a
future guest?
Another way you can power up is to be approachable. What
is your demeanor like at networking events? Using the words
of one leadership coach, do you “emanate a sense of warmth”
or “give off vibes that warn others away?” Maybe you are
not sure, so here’s another way to think about it. At the last
event you attended, did you meet anyone new? Or introduce
someone else to a new contact? If the answer is no that was a
missed opportunity for you to power up. You could have made
an important connection or learned something new. Also
consider the point of view of a fellow attendee. Meeting you
could have made their evening more special and worthwhile.
It could have even been exciting enough to make their whole Chelsea (center) with Rina Hatano (left), and Miharu Takahama,
year! That’s a great way to power up. who is WAD’s Ambassador to Japan

While it can be inferred that networking with new people effort that counts! Also, they suggest taking the time to “show up” - attend
at networking events is a good idea, it’s often a missed meetings in person, rather than dialing in, if possible. You never know
opportunity. Ironically, at these events, people sometimes who you might meet and what you might learn.
gather in cliques with people they already know, talk
amongst themselves, and don’t exude an approachable vibe. As for us, we can both recall the positive impact of meeting new people at
I think many people have experienced this. It’s unlikely to be industry events. In some instances, we had an encounter that completely
intentional – friends can tend to gather, and their individual changed our lives. Here’s an example. At one industry event, one of us
approachability may not be at the top of their mind. But that’s had the rare opportunity to meet one of the world’s top forensic scientists.
the point of this article; to bring awareness. After following his work for years, this was a dream come true. But would
he give a stranger his time and attention? The strongest takeaway from
If you are one of those people, there’s a solution. There is this experience is that despite being a “celebrity” in his own right, he was
some great advice out there on how to increase your so kind and approachable to this stranger who recognized him. But you
approachability. Not only will it help you meet more people don’t have to be famous to make an impact. Some of the most impactful
cocktail parties but can benefit your entire career. Forbes connections we made at networking events was a simple act of kindness
dedicated a great article to this subject, wherein they conclude from a random attendee that made us feel welcome and introduced
that approachability in the workplace is an “essential” quality us to their friends. That experience can make any event special and
for leaders. It fosters a positive organizational culture that worthwhile for the attendee. Just think - you could be the catalyst. That’s
increases your likability, encourages collaboration, and powerful.
enhances creativity.
So how do you become more approachable? Here’s one idea.
Forbes offers some great tips for how to increase one’s Approachability expert Scott Ginsberg reportedly wears a nametag all
approachability. They say to focus on the following three areas: day, every day, since 2000! His goal is to encourage people to become
making yourself available, getting to know people’s names, more friendly and approachable. He firmly believes that people are less
and being more present. What are the next steps? Carve likely to approach you if they don’t know your name (and vice versa).
out blocks of time that coworkers, or others, can “drop-in,” in If you are not keen on wearing a perpetual nametag, Ginsberg has
person or virtually, to chat with you, without an appointment more suggestions to increase your approachability. He says to mentally
or a formal agenda. When someone asks if they can meet assemble some potential talking points in advance of networking events,
with you, give your drop-in time and let the attendee lead the to ask questions geared toward finding common ground with networking
conversation. Also, when meeting new people, address them partners (rather than discussing the weather), to refrain from crossing
by name, and if you can’t remember it, simply ask them. It’s the your arms, and to always carry a business card.

We hope you appreciated this article and that it helped you to recognize and appreciate your power and provided you with the information
that you need to pay it forward. Also, speaking of opportunities, if you are interested in contributing a chapter in WAD members Chelsea
Binns and Bruce Sackman’s latest book, The Art of Investigation III: Industry Confidential, please see the details at theartofinvestigation.
com and email us at theartofinvestigation@gmail.com with your interest.

28 W.A.D Beyond Global