I am finding that I am attending an increasing number of networking events at the moment – formal, informal, big or very small, they do seem to require the same set of skills. So I thought it would be a good idea to research the best methods of getting the most out of these events. Below are Scouts top tips for making that networking event a success for you:
Seeking out the most relevant networking opportunities
- I find I get invited to an event about once a week at the moment and if I went to all of them I would never get any other work done.
- If you are new to this scene, try one that has been recommended to you by someone who has been before – this is more likely to be successful and the recommender can prep you in advance.
- The title of the event is likely to give some clarity on what to expect and who will be there, but have a good chat with the event organizer as well – they will be able to state exactly who is attending and if the setting and the other guests are going to be appropriate for you.
- If you do know who is going to attend, make sure you prep beforehand as to a target list of people you want to meet on the day/night. This will keep your efforts focused and ensure you maximize the potential.
Overcoming your initial nerves
- It can be a bit daunting going into a room full of strangers that seemingly all know each other.
- Firstly, everyone does feel the same way, most of them have just had more practice than you. Perhaps, the first time you pick a networking event to attend, ask a friend or colleague along as well. In this way, you will have an instant person to talk to and can build your confidence from there.
- Go and find someone standing by themselves – they will be open to chatting and very glad you came over to rescue them!
- Unfortunately the best way to get over your hesitations is to expose yourself to as many as possible – the more you attend, the easier it becomes. Don’t chicken out as you will feel very proud of yourself afterwards.
- I often find the evening ones a bit easier than the breakfast ones, especially if there is alcohol involved as everyone tends to be a bit more relaxed.
Knowing how to introduce yourself
- Often called the elevator pitch – how would you succinctly summarise your business offering in one simple paragraph?
- You only have 30 seconds or so to do this before people take a judgment call on whether this is going to be relevant to them, so make it clear and interesting and try hard not to ramble.
- It is likely that you have had to write this on numerous reports or on your website so just use this – have a little practice out loud as well, to make sure how it sounds in your head is how it comes across to another person.
- When you do meet a potential business interest, make sure you listen just as much as you are talking. This isn’t that easy for someone of my profile believe me!
- Show an active interest in what they are saying using positive body language just as much as verbal responses – you can tell just as much from what someone is not saying than from what they are saying. If it is all negative just move on.
Don’t over do it with the selling
- Lets face it, the overall aim of networking events is to gain contacts and hopefully new business out of it, but if you steam in there as if you are in a formal pitch situation, people will not have the chance to get to know you and be much less likely to engage with your services.
- People buy people as we all know!
- They will engage with you if they start to build a rapport with you, then you can discuss your offerings – but remain focused and succinct with your explanation as you will not have too long to get your point across.
Developing new relationships
- If you do attend with someone you know it is always tempting to just stick together and before you know it, you have not actually spoken to many other people at all. If you do go with someone else be brave and split up – you can always get back together again if things aren’t going well.
- If you are talking to someone else and another set of people are talking very closely to you, a good trick is to turn around and make the circle bigger – then there is instantly another set of people for everyone to talk to.
- Remember to turn up the charm and attentiveness – you are in effect on show and need to be on good form to impress.
Following up new contacts
- It sounds like a given, but it is easy to forget who you did actually chat to, especially if it is a long day (or night!).
- Once you have collected the business cards of the people you wanted to have further conversations with, make sure you follow up with them within 24 hours.
- It will still be fresh on their mind, but much more than a day or two and people just get busy and the new relationship will fade.
- If you are keen to get a meeting in the diary, try to do this as soon as possible whilst your conversations are still relevant and remembered.
And finally; smile, relax and enjoy the event – they are usually in lovely venues so if nothing else enjoy the surroundings!
Rebecca x
