It's the first minute of your first day in your new job. The receptionist calls someone to come and get you and, while you're waiting, points you to a lobby chair.

Now what? Get your phone and text your friends ("dude! I'm at my new job!")? Pull out your iPod?

No!

All those things will cause your focus to be internal at a time when your focus most needs to be external. Don't waste this great opportunity to start networking and establishing your personal brand as go-getter right away.

Here are 5 easy things you can do while you wait:

1. Introduce yourself and talk to the receptionist or security guard. Look them in the eye, shake their hand and ask their name. Say how excited you are to be starting work today. TIP: It's okay to say you're nervous; everyone expects new hires to have first-day jitters. Ask them how long they've been with the company, and what they like about working there. TIP: Be aware that employees stationed in the lobby are commonly very busy, so keep the conversation short and be ready to go to Step 2 when they get interrupted.


2. Pick up company reports, magazines, newsletters, etc. Remember, your first day is a recon mission. Gather as much info as you can. Don't start reading, though; just tuck them away to read later.


3. Check out the company memorabilia. Company lobbies are typically full of awards, pictures, even product samples. Look for them on the wall or shelf or in a glass case. Look them over and pick one that interests you. What about it caught your eye? Think of a question about it that you'd like answered and write it down in your notebook. (Tip: You brought your notebook, right? Always have a notebook!


4. When someone who looks like an employee passes through the lobby, politely stop them, introduce yourself, shake their hand, and ask them your question. How will you know they're an employee? Look for a company name badge or if they come into the lobby from an 'Employees Only' area. Your introduction will probably sound like this..."Hi. Excuse me. Do you have a minute? My name's Kim Smith and today's my first day on the job. I work in Market Research for Bob Jones." (Pause and wait for them to introduce themselves.) "I have a question about this photo (or award or trophy or product)..." and then ask your question. Let them answer the question and follow up with additional questions. You're now having a conversation. Don't forget to thank them for their time and get their business card. If they don't have one handy, write down their contact information and ask where they sit. You'll want to visit them in the coming days. What if they can't answer your question? No problem. Ask them the name of another person in the company who can and write it down. And then ask them if it would be okay if you used their name as a reference. It sounds like this... "So Sally Price in Customer Service can tell me more about this award. That's great. Say, Jim, would it be okay if, when I call Sally, I tell her I met you in the lobby today and your recommended I give her a call?" Jim will be totally okay with that. Again, get Jim's business card or write down his contact information and ask him where he sits.


5. When your boss or HR contact comes and picks you up, let them know you've been asking questions and making contacts. The best way is that they see you talking to someone, but, failing that, you should mention that you've been actively engaged during your time in the lobby. For example, when your boss says: "I hope you weren't waiting too long." You can say: "Not at all. In fact, I used the time to talk to (pull out their card or refer to your notebook)...Jim Larsen in Finance about this award you recently received. He told me how hard you all worked to get it. Very impressive. He said Sally Price could tell me more about it. Could you tell me where she sits?"
   
   You now have two or maybe even three names in your network all within the few minutes of walking in the building. And you've demonstrated to your boss that you're using your time productively and building contacts on your own. You're off to great start!