5 Networking Tips For Your Next Event

Photo c/o @chiziduru

Networking should not be daunting since it is something that we have done our entire lives.  Think about the people you have met in primary school, high school, university and at work. After introductions, you developed strong bonds with some; collaborated in schoolwork, personal projects and/ or work projects.  That is the same concept behind networking as an adult.

The importance of intentional networking, should not be underestimated. For example, if you want to change careers, it would be prudent that you attend networking events and conferences in your preferred industry in order to meet new contacts so that you can have a footing.

Below are some well-detailed networking tips to help you navigate your next career event with ease.

1. Dress Well To Boost Your Confidence

Photo c/o @ijeomakola

Most people fear networking events since it involves meeting new people all at once. This fear can be reduced by amping your confidence by preparing your personal grooming – clothes, hygiene, shoes – well in advance.

We all know that when you look and feel good, you are confident and able to focus on other important things. Therefore, dress well enough so that you are not worried about your clothes or other aspects of your personal appearance. You will be less self-conscious, allowing you to exude confident non-verbal communication. Less fidgeting will allow you to be more open to others.

2. Research The Event

You have to research well in advance what the event you are attending is all about. Look up the key speakers, familiarize yourself with the theme, and if possible the potential attendees so that you have a clear idea of what to expect.

It is important to carry business cards with you if you have them so that you don’t have to scribble your contact details when and if your phone runs out of charge. Also, have a list of say three or five people that you would like to meet, so that you do not waste time making contact with everyone and handing out business cards all over like confetti.

3. Prepare Your Conversation Starters

Photo c/o @simplycyn

Once you are the career event, the most important thing is to make contact with those you know will be instrumental in building your career. Talking about the weather, or politics or sports, unless that is the agenda of the day, is mere small talk and will get you nowhere fast. Icebreakers such as soft compliments like on what they are wearing or just commenting on the general ambience of the place are good ice breakers.

Questions such as – what brings you to the event? What does your company do? What’s the most interesting thing about your job? What do you enjoy doing during your free time? – offer more opportunity for you to get to know your contact, and will likely create an impression with them. Use the most appropriate conversation starter depending on the mood and your judgment about the person. Asking people for jobs outright is a no-no since you need to build the relationship first.

4. Be Intentional and Listen

Dale Carnegie says that people like being listened to. In fact, in one of his books he shares how, he went to a neighbourhood party, and one of the attendees spoke about himself the whole time he was with Dale. After, the same attendee told others that was the best conversation he had in a long time. Imagine that, all because Dale did nothing but listen.

People want to feel heard, listened to. And that’s a great pointer on how to connect with others. Listen, more than you speak about yourself, and you are likely to end up with people who like you a lot more than you anticipated.

5. Follow Up

Photo c/o @findingpaola

Perhaps the most underestimated segment of networking is the follow-up. After the event, when you have made contact and gotten to know a few people do a well-intentioned and thought out follow up. Send them a follow-up email, LinkedIn message or a message on a platform of your choosing saying you enjoyed getting to know them.

Suggest linking up for project X, or just for a cup of coffee to talk over career or project prospects. This will set you ahead of the pack, who gave out and collected business cards and did nothing with them. To maximize the follow-up, do it a day or two after when you are fresh in their memory. They are more likely to easily remember you and will be flattered that you remember them too.