In-person networking is back!
Many employers, universities, and professionals are headed back to in-person networking events after two years of a virtual focus due to Covid. There are some commonalities between the two formats, but there are also some significant differences. Networking is essentially connecting with other people and sharing information. Are you ready to engage in live, in-person networking again? If so, check out the tips below to prepare.
First of all, think about how the event can benefit you and why you should attend. Create goals and a strategy to achieve them. To be an effective networker, you need to connect with people in an authentic way. Networking is not making quick connections and walking away with a stack of business cards. Try to find ways to be memorable, because if the people you meet don’t remember you, the time and energy you invested into that networking activity will result in little to no return on your investment.
Next, make sure you research the event and who will be there. Identify the key players if you can in order to understand why they are there, how you can connect, and what you can do to help each other. Remember, networking is about sharing information. When you do that effectively, you can build lasting relationships that are mutually beneficial.
After you’ve done your research and identified who you want to connect with, think about what you will say and how you can build a quality connection. Consider how you will start conversations and what you can offer the other person in terms of information or support. You can script some conversation starters and key points, or work off a list of key terms or bullet points. Practice and prepare in a way that will work for you so your communication will be authentic and genuine.
Dress appropriately for the event and bring the materials you’ll need. Remember, you won’t just be sitting in front of a computer so you will need a professional outfit that includes pants and not pajama bottoms! Your clothing should be clean and free of wrinkles. Don’t forget business cards and a pen in order to share your information and make notes.
As you speak with other people, be sure to listen attentively. Be attuned to what they say as well as how they say it in order to develop a proper understanding of the context and details of the conversation. Listening is a skill that needs to be developed! In some cases, people think too much about what to say and miss important parts of what the other person is expressing. Try to limit your internal dialogue and really focus on listening to the other person.
Whether a conversation goes really well, or you struggle a little bit, try to identify some next steps as you wrap the discussion up. Is there someone else you can connect the person with, or can they connect you with someone? Is there information you want to forward along? Do you want to schedule a time to follow-up? Try to establish a next step and be sure to obtain that person’s contact information so you can reconnect in the future.
Lastly, don’t forget to actually follow-up! This is important, as networking involves making and then maintaining a connection. You want to grow your network, not just cycle people in and out. Follow-up should be professionally appropriate. Usually, 24-48 hours is a good timeframe for an initial follow-up message. After that, reach out when there’s a specific reason or every few months to maintain the connection. Don’t badger the person or contact them continuously to try to elicit a response. Always remain professional since you never know how the connect can help (or hurt if you act inappropriately) you in the future.
Although it has been great to network virtually over the last couple of years, many professionals and potential connections are engaging again at in-person events. If you’re ready to take that step as well, consider what you need to do to prepare and effectively connect with people in a live, in-person space. Hopefully, the tips provided will help you prepare and make some great new network connections!
