22 Tips to Make Networking Less Awkward

Networking can be an awkward experience even for the well initiated. Here are 22 quick tips to freshen up your networking skills and make it more fun and fruitful:

1. Set yourself networking goals, e.g. “I will meet 5 new people tonight”, “I want to have a meaningful conversation with John Smith”
2. Take a buddy with you if you are uncomfortable flying solo
3. Line ups are a great place to start for a conversation – entry, food, drinks, washrooms! If you see a line, join it!
4. Topping up your food or drink is also a great way to leave a conversation
5. Want to break into a group discussion? Casually make eye contact and wait for someone to acknowledge you either verbally or with their body language
6. Commenting on the room, food, speaker etc are easy icebreakers
7. Have your elevator pitch down pat but customize to the audience
8. Ask open-ended questions
9. Read up on current events and relevant industry news for conversation points
10. Introduce yourself to the organizer, they’re usually valuable connectors!
11. Offer to volunteer with the organizer (a great way to get more exposure within a group)
12. Try lots of different groups before settling on ones which best align with your goals
13. Networking is a continual effort, going to one event will reap little reward
14. If you’re stuck with a “clinger”, introduce them to someone else and then move on
15. Don’t be a “clinger”
16. See someone by themselves? Be the hero and introduce yourself
17. Think broadly about your network. You may not be able to immediately help the person you’re talking to but someone in your network might, and vice versa
18. Exit conversation politely. “It was great talking with you but I still have a few other people to meet, if we don’t connect later it was a pleasure to meet you”
19. Write notes on the back of people’s business cards to help you remember them
20. Take LOTS of business cards!
21. Be prompt with follow ups, whether it’s emails, LinkedIn requests, or a phone call
22. Set up your next steps to move the relationship forward, e.g. coffee, invitation to another event

Best of luck out there!