^The pandemic has compelled us to go online in recent years. We could only conduct business online since physical meetings were not permitted. Some of us found it unbearable, while others benefited, making most of whatever was available in the form of a company.

We are progressively being asked to leave the safety of our virtual world and speak with actual words rather than emojis and GIFs now that things are more-or-less under control once again. So we can understand how some people would find that adjustment challenging.

Walking up to strangers can be intimidating and nerve-wracking. But with some practice and a few tips, you could meet new friends at every turn.‍

Learn the Three W's (Why, Where, and When) of talking.

The Three W's of Talking to Strangers—why, where, and when—help set the stage before delving into the specifics of how to approach someone you don't know.

• Why? Find out why you want to talk to people you don't know.
• Where? Go where people are to talk to them.
• When? Use a stranger's body language to know when to talk to them.

Instead of thinking you need to connect with dozens of people or businesses, focus on connecting with just one. Once you've reached that goal, you might feel more confident to go on and talk to someone else. If you have a list of people who will be there, you can be even more specific about your goal.‍

Gain Connection Early

If you're shy or quiet, the best time to show up at an event is at the start. Fewer people are in the room during the pre-event period, so you can speak without being interrupted. Also, as the room fills up, everyone is looking for someone to talk to. 

When you make one great connection early on in the night, you'll gain confidence and meet more new people as the night progresses.‍

Icebreakers! Pick Yours

Having a few icebreaker questions or topics ready can help you feel more comfortable when talking to someone for the first time. 

Among these topics are how they heard about the event, how long they've been with the organization, what they enjoy doing around town with their family, or what's exciting for them in the future. 

Try to engage in a natural conversation with your conversation partner instead of focusing solely on their work. Doing so leaves a lasting impression, learns what makes the person tick, and gets to know them better.

Here are a few examples of icebreakers:

1. How many countries have you visited?

2. What would be your dream place to live if you had the choice?

3. Do you have a favorite TV show?

Make A List

Make a list of questions you can always ask to get you through the first few minutes of the meeting. No one in the world doesn't like talking about themselves. 

Find out what brand they work on, and tell them what you know about their company. Then, tell them why you like their product if you use it. This gives people a chance to tell stories, which is a great way to find things they have in common.

Keep It Going

The best way to build a long-lasting relationship is to become a mentor or mentee. The benefits of mentoring in business are many, including avoiding too much formality in the relationship. In addition, you can be honest with the other people involved by revealing your flaws and goals.

The fear of not knowing what to expect makes some people afraid to seek advice or assistance from others. Mentoring also helps you to understand the next generation better. The importance of building strong relationships below you is just as great as it is for those above you. In your role as a mentee, you will benefit from the advice and objective viewpoint of someone you trust and respect.‍

Closing Thoughts

There's no doubt that a strong network can help your business, and it works both ways. So, if you're stuck, look for ways you can help your peers. With that simple action, you're already social networking in the best way possible.

Do you feel better prepared to network now that you have the tips? What is one tip you can easily implement from this article? Let us know in the comments below.

"^Behind every successful woman is a tribe of other successful women who have her back." This quote by the renowned author and feminist Gloria Steinem rings true for so many women in the workforce. 

As we celebrate International Women's Day, it's essential to recognise and celebrate the achievements of women in the workplace. Women have been shattering glass ceilings and breaking barriers for decades, proving that they belong in every industry and every role. However, we must also empower women to succeed in their careers by providing them with the tools and resources they need. 

In this article, we'll explore strategies for celebrating and empowering women in the workplace, promoting gender equality, and encouraging women to pursue their passions.

Celebrating Her Story

Women have been making strides in the workforce, and it's essential to celebrate their contributions. Women's achievements in the workplace should be noticed. They bring unique skills, experiences, and perspectives to the table, making them invaluable assets to any organisation. In addition, recognising women's achievements can boost morale, increase engagement, and motivate other women to strive for success.

Here are a few ways companies can recognise and celebrate women in the workplace:

• Raising a Glass: A celebration event that recognises and appreciates women in the workforce is an excellent way to show appreciation. This event could include keynote speeches, award ceremonies, or a simple get-together.

• Celebrating Success: Women deserve recognition for their hard work and accomplishments. Recognise their achievements through newsletters, company-wide emails, and social media posts.

• Leading Ladies: Showcasing the achievements of women in your company is an excellent way to recognise their contributions. You could feature them in your company newsletter or website and share their success stories.

Recognising and celebrating women's achievements in the workplace is not just good for morale; it's also good for business. It promotes a positive work culture, encourages diversity, and attracts more talented women to your company.

"Feminism isn't about making women strong. Women are already strong. It's about changing the way the world perceives that strength." - G.D. Anderson

Breaking the Mold

What if women were given the tools and resources needed to succeed in their careers? Imagine the endless possibilities and the positive impact it could have on both the women themselves and the companies they work for. Empowering women is crucial to creating a more inclusive and diverse workforce. Here are some strategies for empowering women:

• Mentorship programs: Mentorship programs provide women with an opportunity to learn from other successful women in their industry. Mentors can provide advice, guidance, and support for women navigating their careers. These programs can also help women build relationships and expand their professional network.

• Career development workshops: Career development workshops can help women develop new skills and hone existing ones. These workshops can also help women learn about career paths they may not have considered before, giving them the confidence to take on new challenges.

• Flexible work arrangements: Women often face unique challenges, such as caring for children or elderly relatives. Flexible work arrangements, such as telecommuting or flexible hours, can help women balance their work and personal lives. In addition, providing these options can help women feel supported and valued by their employers.

By implementing these strategies, companies can create a more supportive and inclusive work environment for women. Women who feel empowered are more likely to succeed in their careers and contribute to their company's success. When companies invest in their female workforce, they are investing in the future of their organisation.

The Future is Equal

Did you know that women make up 47% of the global workforce yet earn only 77 cents for every dollar men earn? This gender pay gap is just one of the many ways gender inequality manifests itself in the workplace. However, promoting gender equality isn't just about closing the pay gap; it's about creating an inclusive work environment where everyone can thrive.

To promote gender equality in the workplace, companies can take the following steps:

• Conduct a Pay Equity Audit: It's essential to ensure that men and women are being paid equally for the same job. Companies can conduct a pay equity audit to identify any pay gaps and take corrective action.

• Provide Unconscious Bias Training: Unconscious bias can impact hiring and promotion decisions, leading to gender disparities. Providing unconscious bias training through corporate wellness programs can help participants recognise and address their preferences.

• Offer Flexible Work Arrangements: Women often bear the brunt of family responsibilities, making it challenging to balance work and home life. Offering flexible work arrangements, such as telecommuting or flexible hours, can help women manage their responsibilities while still being productive at work.

• Create a Safe and Inclusive Work Environment: Women are more likely to experience harassment and discrimination in the workplace. Companies can create a safe and inclusive work environment by implementing zero-tolerance policies for harassment and discrimination.

• Promote Women to Leadership Roles: Having women in leadership roles can help promote gender equality in the workplace. Companies can encourage women to leadership roles and provide them with the support and resources they need to succeed.

By promoting gender equality in the workplace, companies can reap the benefits of a diverse and inclusive workforce. Gender diversity has been shown to increase innovation, productivity, and profitability. So it's not just the right thing to do; it's the smart thing to do.

Together We Can

International Women's Day is a reminder that we still have a long way to go in achieving gender equality in the workplace. However, it's also an opportunity to celebrate women's incredible achievements and acknowledge their important role in every industry.

At The Wellness Tribe, we believe celebrating and empowering women in the workplace is crucial for creating a healthy and productive work environment. We provide customised wellness solutions that can help companies promote gender equality and celebrate the achievements of their female co-workers. 

Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you celebrate International Women's Day in your workplace. Together, we can build a better, more inclusive world for everyone.