Networking can be an intimidating and unpleasant experience. The idea of interacting with people to see how you can profit from meeting with them takes the joy out of socialising, for extroverts. For introverts and socially anxious people, networking can be a waking nightmare. However, for many career paths, networking remains an integral part of lasting success. Your approach to it can make it a less harrowing experience and makes it more meaningful than predatory or opportunistic.
How to make networking more impactful
Perspective can make many difficult tasks seem so much easier. Look at networking as a way to form helpful connections, and make it easier for knowledge sharing and supporting each other’s businesses. If you’re networking to look for work, you don’t want it to feel like a first date where you’re listing what you bring to the table on a speed run. Try to connect with those you meet.
If you’re at a networking event within your company, this is the time to show your senior workers what you do for the company. Help them understand your role. This is also the best time to tell them what they can improve to make work easier and what your department needs to work better. You also get to meet with peers from other departments, share knowledge and see how you can all work with better synergy. Many workers often secure promotions and more projects from networking events.
But this doesn’t happen automatically. Everyone attending a networking event is working to get the most value for their career. The powerful people in the room will not be looking to give promotions and jobs to everyone who attends. You’ll need to stand out. How To Network Successfully
Steps to stand out at networking events
1. Prep for the event
Find out who else will be in attendance. Whether you are attending your company’s event or a mixer with outside professionals, try to find out who will be in attendance. The promotional material can have a list of participating companies and you can check the social media accounts of company members to see who is likely to attend. Once you have gotten an idea of the attendees, you can create a list of people to ensure to meet. Researching recent public events or projects by the company is a great way to break the ice Also talking about recent events relevant to your industry can be a great icebreaker.
5 Tips On How To Network In A New Environment
2. Make business cards
Create business cards that are clear, concise, and with all your contact information and your job position. If you are just joining the job market, create a calling card. This should have your name, phone number, email, and social media accounts, like Twitter (now X) or LinkedIn. Ensure the card is made of sturdy paper, with a simple but tasteful design and a legible typeface.
Careers: 6 Ways To Find Your Dream Job Fast
3. Scan and approach open conversations
When you’re in a room full of people mingling, it can be difficult to know who to approach. You may interrupt an important conversation and create an awkward situation if you don’t read the room. Look at an individual’s body language. Someone who is holding their drink and smiling at others is open to conversation. A group where they haven’t huddled and are speaking facing out is more welcoming. You can try to listen to what they’re talking about to see if it’s something you can form an opinion on. Then chime in while introducing yourself and let the conversation flow, with your input. Five Conversation Starters That Make You Look Interesting
4. Keep the conversation brief
Once you’ve spoken with them, use the natural flow of the dialogue to see whether to move on or ask to speak to someone to the side. Don’t act like you’re there just to hand out business cards. When speaking to others, maintain eye contact, and keep the pressure of your handshake equal to theirs. Get people interested in you. When they invite conversation about what kind of work you do, you can share your elevator pitch, give your business card, take their contact info then go on to meet the next person. Try to make sure you speak with as many people as possible.
5. Focus on your value not just your company’s
If you’re networking for your company, the individual relationships you have with the other brand reps are more valuable than trying to sell your company. Let them know that you’re trustworthy, have industry expertise, and can be helpful. Let them have access to your other networks as well so you can all have a beneficial relationship.
6. Consistency
The most effective way to be memorable is to be consistent. Whenever there is a networking event, make sure to reconnect with your previous contacts, catch up with them, and even plan other social events to get to know each other. When you’ve got new contacts, send a follow-up within a few days or a few weeks to touch base. For some industries, activities move rather quickly and you need to remain in touch almost immediately so that you can help each other out immediately. When you are networking for a job, send a follow-up email within two weeks. Don’t be too insistent. If you come off annoying, you stand out for the wrong reasons.
Check out
5 Tips On How To Network In A New Environment
Careers: 6 Ways To Find Your Dream Job Fast
4 Simple Things You Should Do After A Job Interview
Business: 9 Ways To Deal With Loneliness As An Entrepreneur
5 Lessons Everyone Learns In The Corporate World
Entrepreneurship Secrets For Success And Pitfalls To Watch Out For
