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:
- Set yourself networking goals, e.g. “I will meet 5 new people tonight”, “I want to have a meaningful conversation with John Smith”
- Take a buddy with you if you are uncomfortable flying solo
- Line ups are a great place to start for a conversation – entry, food, drinks, washrooms! If you see a line, join it!
- Topping up your food or drink is also a great way to leave a conversation
- 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
- Commenting on the room, food, speaker etc are easy icebreakers
- Have your elevator pitch down pat but customize 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 ones which best align with your goals
- Networking is a continual effort, going to 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 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”
- Write notes on the back of people’s business cards to help you remember them
- Take LOTS of business cards!
- Be prompt with follow ups, whether it’s emails, LinkedIn requests, or a phone call
- Set up your next steps to move the relationship forward, e.g. coffee, invitation to another event
Best of luck out there!
