The skill of networking at events takes chutzpah, not to mention practise. But I much prefer jumping off the deep end to twiddling my thumbs in a corner!
Surprise yourself — follow these seven networking tips and discover that meeting new people can be fun and rewarding.
1. Start Slowly
Commit to going to a certain number of events and aim to simply meet one new person at each one. Hosts or guest speakers are easy to approach. Alternatively, ask someone you know to introduce you around.
2. The Art of Conversation
Banish awkward silences by encouraging people to talk about themselves. Ask questions that can’t simply be answered with “yes” or “no” … these usually start with “how”, “why” or “what”. Why did you start your own business? What did you think of the seminar?
3. Remember Names
Imprint a person’s name into your mind by repeating it in your conversation, and don’t be afraid to ask for a name again or check the spelling. After an event, go through the business cards you’ve collected and mentally picture each person. If you really can’t remember, look for their picture on a website or blog, or do a Google image search.
4. Play Your Cards Right
Your business cards, that is. Have plenty on hand and store them in a professional holder — scrabbling for dog-eared cards in your handbag is not a good look. After, compile any cards you’ve received into a “contacts book”.
5. Shut Up!
Networking isn’t all about you — give people your full attention, listen to what they have to say and look for opportunities to learn. Even better, give people something of value — suggest a useful website address or introduce a friend with similar interests.
6. Ignore the “Brush Off”
Don’t take a cold shoulder personally. You might initially feel angry or humiliated but, chances are, someone who is rude to you is rude to everyone. Besides, anyone who doesn’t realise you are charming and have lots to offer is only hurting themselves and their business in the long run.
7. The Follow-Up
Stay in touch to take new relationships to the next level — send a short email the next day to say you enjoyed your conversation or elect to follow someone on Twitter. And send a hand-written “thank you” to the host of a particularly valuable or entertaining event — they’ll make a wonderful ally.
