Networking events are a popular way to meet new people and form meaningful contacts. However, simply attending and handing out a few business cards usually does not provide a good return on investment for your time. Here are a few tips on how to make new connections at networking events.
1. Decide on your goals
The first thing that a person needs to do is decide on their goals. Knowing your goals will help you determine who you want to approach and network with. For example, if you are looking for a job in the healthcare industry, then it may be beneficial to network with healthcare recruiters or employees.
2. Decide on who you want to meet
Sometimes, networking events will list who is going to be in attendance. Look through the list and decide on who you want to meet and prepare a plan to engage them in meaningful conversation.
If the list of attendees is not provided, then you may have to do some moving around to find the right people. Once you find one person in your industry, ask them if they know anyone else in attendance that you can connect with.
3. Practice your opening introduction
A well rehearsed introduction can make a good impression. Most people go to events without a plan of action. Think about what you want to be known for and how you want the other person to remember you.
When introducing yourself, include your name and what you do, but also be sure to think about how you might be of value to the other person. For example, if you are in marketing and meet a restaurant owner, you can mention how you increased profits to a local restaurant by 98% by doing Facebook marketing.
4. Handing out the most business cards isn’t necessarily the best strategy
A lot of people define success at networking events as handing out lots of business cards. However, if you don’t spend enough time talking to someone, then it is unlikely that they will remember you.
Make sure you spend enough time with each person before moving on to the next prospect. Real success will be a balance between handing out a lot of cards and spending enough time with each person.
5. Follow Up
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, have a plan to follow up with the people you meet, especially if you feel that your interests are aligned. That doesn’t mean just sending them an email saying that it was nice to meet them.
Figure out a good way to further develop the relationship. Taking the person out to lunch or connecting on social networks like LinkedIn can be helpful.
Asides from these 5 tips, if you want to make networking effective, be sure to go regularly. Sometimes you will see some of the same people and get to know them better.
About Brian Liang
Regardless of background or level of experience, networking is a facility that caters for all. As long as you’re outgoing enough to sell yourself yet attentive enough to allow others to do the same then you’re on to a winner!!
Hi Claire. Thanks for stopping by – I’m glad you’ve had success with networking!
This is a very useful post. Thanks for sharing the blog.