Tips For Your First Networking Event
Networking is not just about attending an event and collecting business cards. It is about building relationships, introducing yourself and your work, and gaining valuable connections and insights that can benefit you in your career. To maximize the benefits of networking, it requires some preparation and experience. Here are some tips to keep in mind before you head out to your next networking event.
Have a Goal
It’s important to have a clear purpose before attending a networking event. Take some time to reflect on why you’re going and what you hope to achieve. Identify two specific outcomes you want to accomplish, such as meeting new people or finding job leads. Having a clear goal in mind will help you stay focused and make the most out of your time at the event.
Dress To Impress
When getting ready for a networking event, it’s important to dress professionally and avoid looking disheveled, disorganized, or too casual. However, don’t forget to choose something that makes you feel confident, like a great dress or those new shoes you’ve been eager to wear. Feeling good in what you’re wearing can help you exude confidence in an environment that can be uncomfortable.
Business Cards
It’s a simple tip, but it’s crucial. I’ve witnessed many people forget their business cards or make excuses like “I gave my last one away.” To avoid this, bring more business cards than you think you’ll need and keep them in a card case. This will prevent them from getting dirty or wrinkled in your bag and allow you to easily retrieve them. It’s much more professional to pull out a card from a case than to rummage through your purse.
Make an Effective Introduction
When you meet someone for the first time, it’s important to make a good impression. Start by making eye contact, smiling, and introducing yourself with your first and last name. Remember to give a firm but brief handshake. Don’t forget to listen for the other person’s name and use it a few times while you’re speaking. This will help you remember her name and show that you’re interested in the conversation.
Listen First and Then Speak
A helpful tip for networking is to let the other person speak first. It may not be widely known, but if you’re the one talking about yourself first, the other person may not be fully attentive. By letting the other person speak first and asking them questions, they’ll be more relaxed and attentive when it’s your turn to speak. It’s a great way to build rapport and establish a positive connection.
Show Sincerity and Interest
f you want to make a good impression while networking, it’s a good idea to have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask the other person. This will show them that you’re interested in more than just your own career prospects. It’s important to ask open-ended questions that can’t be answered with a simple “yes” or “no.” For example, you might ask about the other person’s background or current job to start a meaningful conversation.
Get To The Point
When it’s your turn to share about your work, try to summarize it in just a couple of sentences. Save the nitty-gritty for later, as people tend to lose interest if you can’t get to the point quickly. Furthermore, it’s important to avoid using industry-specific terms that others may not understand. Building rapport is crucial to successful networking, and if someone can’t grasp what you’re saying, it will be difficult to establish a connection.
Take Notes
It’s easy to forget important details from conversations, so it’s a good idea to jot them down. Find a quiet spot after mingling with a few people and write some notes on the back of their business cards. Record their names, what you talked about, and any follow-up you need to do. Remember, the reason for networking is to build lasting connections, and this technique will help you remember and follow up with people later on.
Follow Up
After a few days, it’s a good idea to send personalized follow-up emails to the people you met at the event whom you’d like to continue networking with. Make sure to mention something that you talked about so that they remember you, and suggest any follow-up, such as meeting up for an informational interview. Remember, sending a generic LinkedIn invite can quickly end a connection. Networking is a valuable tool for job searching, and with proper preparation, professionalism, and proactive follow-up, you can make the most of your networking opportunities. Don’t forget to have some fun while you’re at it!