As we discussed in last month’s blog, networking is good for business. And, networking events are ideal for meeting people, and building a network of contacts. But, it’s about more than just signing up for an organization and attending a few events. It’s about seizing the networking opportunities!
Whether you’re someone who naturally enjoys meeting new people, or one who sees networking as a necessary evil, following these tips will allow you to make the most of your time networking.
Do your homework.
We all lead busy lives, which is why it’s imperative to research events that will be of most value to you. Time is a valuable commodity. Don’t waste it attending events if you’re not excited about the mission of the organization, or about connecting with the people expected to be in attendance.
Define your goals.
Once you identify an event that is worth attending, go with a purpose. Set a goal for yourself. For example, how many business cards do you want to exchange? Or, how many connections do you want to establish?
Challenge yourself.
Many people attend networking events with someone they know, and spend the entire event talking to just that one person. While it might be a lot more comfortable to talk to those you came with, the entire purpose of attending a networking event is to meet new people in order to cultivate new relationships. So, challenge yourself to strike up a conversation with a stranger, even if it makes you uncomfortable. Here are a few great conversation starters:
- What made you decide to attend tonight?
- What do you do? What attracted you to that line of work?
- Do you work on a team or alone?
- Which of your current projects are you most excited about?
Follow-up.
Don’t jeopardize losing the connection you worked hard to establish by neglecting to follow-up. It’s important to call, email, or event text within 24 hours with everyone with which you connected, especially if there’s a possibility for establishing a business relationship.
Relax and enjoy yourself.
Networking events don’t have to be a chore. Find the people who interest you, and go from there.
At Boris Benic and Associates, we think of networking events and business functions as an opportunity to meet new people, inside and outside of our field, and find potential clients. They’re a great way to promote your personal brand, but only if you know how to make the most of them while you’re there.
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