22 Tips to Make Networking Less Awkward
Networking can be an awkward experience even for the well-initiated, but it can also be a valuable asset to your job search. Here are 22 quick tips to freshen up your networking skills and make it more fun and fruitful:
- Set yourself networking goals — e.g. “I will meet 5 new people tonight” or “I want to have a meaningful conversation with John Smith”
- Take a buddy with you if you are uncomfortable flying solo
- Lineups are a great place to start a conversation. Entry, food, drinks, washrooms—if you see a line, join it!
- Topping up your food or drink is a great way to exit a conversation
- To break into a group discussion, casually make eye contact and wait for someone to acknowledge you either verbally or with their body language
- Commenting on the room, food, speaker etc. are easy icebreakers
- Have your elevator pitch down pat, but customize it to the audience
- Ask open-ended questions
- Read up on current events and relevant industry news for conversation points
- Introduce yourself to the organizer, they’re usually valuable connectors!
- Offer to volunteer with the organizer (a great way to get more exposure within a group)
- Try lots of different groups before settling on the ones that best align with your goals
- Networking is a continual effort; going to only one event will reap little reward
- If you’re stuck with a “clinger,” introduce them to someone else and then move on
- Don’t be a “clinger”
- See someone by themselves? Be the hero and introduce yourself
- 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)
- Exit conversations 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!”
- Write notes on the back of people’s business cards to help you remember them
- Accept business cards and/or add each other to LinkedIn
- Be prompt with follow-ups, whether via email, LinkedIn or a phone call
- Set up your next steps to move the relationship forward—e.g. coffee meeting or an invitation to another event
Best of luck out there!