Networking Mastermind: 3 Key Points to Networking Effectively
Posted Sep 15, 2024 02:29 PM
Introduction
Today, we'll be discussing 3 top tips and strategies that you should be following when you are at events in person. Most people overlook some of these simple tips and miss out on the amazing value of a great collection of connections.
#1: Preparation
Our first tip is to PREPARE for the event in advance; you are NOT networking effectively if you are networking with the WRONG people. Most popular events will have lists of attendees - You can use this list of attendees and responses that you can find on social media to plan your movements in the event.
Do you have a passion for a specific subject that is part of the event you are planning on attending? Look for speakers and attendees that specialise in the subject that you are interested in and make sure that you are actively looking for them when you are attending the event.
Prepare a brief introduction about yourself and your interests so that when you approach these other attendees, you are prepared and confident - People remember first impressions and will judge you based on that most of the time.
Do you have a passion for a specific subject that is part of the event you are planning on attending? Look for speakers and attendees that specialise in the subject that you are interested in and make sure that you are actively looking for them when you are attending the event.
Prepare a brief introduction about yourself and your interests so that when you approach these other attendees, you are prepared and confident - People remember first impressions and will judge you based on that most of the time.
#2: Aesthetics & Attitude
Body language & general appearance is something that people seem to forget about; just because you are at a fun event, does NOT mean that you can just ignore your appearance and body language.
When approaching people you are looking to make a connection with, make sure that you have open and inviting body language as well as dressing appropriately - We aren't saying to wear a suit to every event, but smart casual doesn't go a miss!
You should also be focused on being positive when discussing topics with your potential future connections and avoiding controversy or political opinions as these areas can create tension - This is unless your subject IS politics, there are always other factors to consider.
When approaching people you are looking to make a connection with, make sure that you have open and inviting body language as well as dressing appropriately - We aren't saying to wear a suit to every event, but smart casual doesn't go a miss!
You should also be focused on being positive when discussing topics with your potential future connections and avoiding controversy or political opinions as these areas can create tension - This is unless your subject IS politics, there are always other factors to consider.
#3: Business Cards & Follow Up
There is something that I believe to be a generally forgotten art - The business card. A clean, consise and well-made business card can leave a lasting impression with your potential connections, you pair this with a professional social media appearance and you'll be growing your network at an exponential rate compared to your colleagues and competitors.
Other than the business card side of things, you should be making sure that you are following up with your connections. Get contact information or a Linkedin connection and continue your previous conversation or even just acknowledging the conversation itself can solidify the bond you'll have created by this point with your new peer.
Other than the business card side of things, you should be making sure that you are following up with your connections. Get contact information or a Linkedin connection and continue your previous conversation or even just acknowledging the conversation itself can solidify the bond you'll have created by this point with your new peer.
Conclusion
If you are utilising these three tips, you'll have a very successful time building a network of like-minded professionals in your chosen industries. Always remember, it's not what you know, it's who you know!
If you are utilising these three tips, you'll have a very successful time building a network of like-minded professionals in your chosen industries. Always remember, it's not what you know, it's who you know!
