How To Ace a Networking Event
I learned the power of networking from a very young age. I grew up with a father who talked to EVERYONE (and still does)! I was able to witness, firsthand, not only what networking did for his career, for my family, and for his friends, but also what he was able to do for strangers through utilizing his current network. Networking opens doors to new relationships, career opportunities, and acts as a place to practice speaking about yourself and what you have to offer to the world.
Now, I don’t want the title of this blog post to make you feel like you have to wait for a specific event to network. You have the opportunity to network every single day simply by being out in the world and talking to people! With that being said, I know the idea of networking or sparking up a conversation with a stranger can be quite a daunting thing for many if not most people. The benefits of networking, however, will outweigh the fear and discomfort you feel towards it- I can guarantee you that! All you need is a little preparation and the right mindset.
I would like to offer some tips for how to ace a networking event. College students beginning their careers: these tips will help prepare you for career fair style events as well. The following information will also come in handy for your networking endeavors that occur in an every day setting and not at a special event. Let’s dive in!
What to do Before a networking event
The power is in the preparation! Preparation is what is going to give you the confidence you need to ace any networking event. You would practice and prepare for a work presentation, a musical performance, and a sports game, so why not treat a networking event the same way? Set yourself up for success!
Check in with yourself. What are you working on? What is something you’ve accomplished recently? What goals do you have? What are you enjoying learning about right now? The people you are speaking to are not mind readers. You want to ensure you have something compelling and memorable to say when they ask you a question! Most times, this simply requires you to jot some notes down before leaving for an event so these things you want people to know are at the front of your brain.
If you you know you are going to meet a specific person, do some light research on them. Now, you don’t have to be creepy about it in conversation, but you can tailor your questions to their background and experience.
Know some things about the general location where the event is taking place. This will be an easy way to break the ice if a conversation is not taking off as well as you expected.
Keep some conversation starters and subject changers in your back pocket in case you need them.
Prepare your response to “tell me about yourself.” You don’t need to have it memorized as you don’t want to sound like a robot, after all, but at least put some effort into your preparation. I recommend following the prompt of answering these three questions: Where have you been, where are you now, and where are you going? Keep it short and sweet. People want to know your story and it’s empowering to know that we have control over how we tell it. (I can write a whole post on this topic if you are interested!)
Ensure your business cards or resumes are updated and properly stored.
Dress for success! Pick your outfit out ahead of time and be sure to steam or iron it so it is ready to go. When we look good, we feel good, and then we have the confidence to go out in the world and shine our light.
Right before the event, conduct an energy check with yourself. Leave anything negative that may have come before the event at the door, and make the intentional decision that you are going to go into the event as the best version of yourself. Keep an open mind. You never know who you may meet.
What to do During a networking event
Arrive to the event time as close to the start time as possible. This is such an underrated networking tactic! Yes, it’s good manners to be punctual, but it also gives you the opportunity to greet the host(s) before too many people are crowding them. What typically happens after you greet your host is they introduce you to someone near by and help connect you to the right people. It’s a direct connection for you, and usually with the right person or people!
Maintain positive and open body language to ensure you are coming across as approachable and excited to meet people (even if you are really nervous). Remember, when you treat networking like a sport, it will keep you focused on your goals rather than focusing on how nervous you might be. Open body language looks like good posture. a strong walk into the room, keeping your arms and legs uncrossed, and making good eye contact.
Keep your phone away! Clinging to our phones may feel most comfortable in the moment, but it may translate to others as you being disinterested to be there.
Aim to stay in the center of the room. This will show people that you are eager to network. The other people in the center of the room will be the ones you want to talk. to because they are also eager to have a successful networking evening.
Be confident enough to introduce yourself! Trust me, most of the people in the room are feeling just as awkward and uncomfortable as you do. Take a chance and go up to someone. Remember, you never know!
If you are wondering how to join a group of people, look for groups of 3+ people, and simply say, “Good Evening, I am Mariah Grumet. May I join you?”
Take note of important people, places, things, and stories that people bring up in conversation so you can refer to them the next time you see or speak to this person.
Collect business cards or contact methods so you can continue the conversation beyond the event.
What to do After a networking event
Be strategic and unique in your follow up approach. Handwritten notes are always a special and memorable way to follow up with someone, but I would also recommend sending an email as we want to be mindful of today’s fast paced communication. Often times, your follow up strategy will be what sets you apart from others.
I hope this tips brought you a bit of ease when it comes to the idea of networking. It seems like I forgot a very important tip- be yourself! You can’t fail at that. :)
