For every person that has a problem, there is someone else who can provide a solution, but if you don’t know about each other, how can you work together?
Networking is an incredibly important skill for anyone in business, regardless of industry, and events can open up new doors, present new opportunities, and give you some much needed time out of the office.
But for many, they can also be fraught with anxiety about speaking to new people, create fear about making a good impression, and are simply more stress added to an already busy workday.
We’ve all been there, you arrive at an event, maybe alone or with a coworker, and everyone else is already in their groups chatting away. You’re immediately starting off on the back foot, which doesn’t really set the tone for you to start approaching people and beginning a conversation.
If networking events are so helpful, how can you make them feel less daunting? And how do you make sure you’re getting the most out of your time there?
Preparation!
First, make sure you know beforehand what kind of event you’re going to. Is it just a drinks mixer? A networking meal? Will there be a panel or speaker? Is the event in support of a charity? Which one?
All these things will help you navigate conversation far better than if you go in blind, or just vaguely know it’s a charity mixer, but not what type or who it’s in aid of.
Also, make sure you’re prepared to talk about yourself. People will inevitably ask questions about you, your business, or your connection to the event. There’s no need to plan a lengthy monologue for every question you think you may be asked, but just having a bit prepared about your company, what you do, or how you came to be invited can be a lifesaver when it comes to smooth conversation.
If you have a business card, bring a few with you! It’s a quick and easy way to make sure people know what you offer and how to get in touch. Plus, a well-designed business card can immediately raise the professional perception of your business.
Make Yourself Comfortable
Networking events can be stressful, and one of the best things to do is give yourself time to calm your nerves before you head in. There’s no need to be fashionably late for these kinds of events, getting there five to ten minutes early is ideal. A quick tip if you’re feeling nervous is to head straight to the bathroom when you arrive. Take a breath, check your look, and go over any information you might want to be sure of.
When you head into the actual networking space, see if there’s a bar or drinks table. Head straight to it! There will likely be a few people hanging around there already, and having an immediate place to go will prevent you wandering and feeling lost. It gives you a moment to get a feel for the space, and an opportunity to look around and see who you might want to approach.
Confidence
Having confidence is a huge part of networking, but it’s far easier said than done. Approaching new people can be daunting, especially if they’re in groups, but one thing to remember is that everyone is there for the same reason. No one is going to react badly or refuse to speak with you if you ask what their name is or where they’re from.
Just take a breath and think: what is there to be afraid of? Everyone there is expecting to be approached by new people, and most of them are likely feeling the same way you are! So be direct, and don’t over-complicate it. All you need to do is approach them, introduce yourself, and ask a question. It’s that easy. Every partnership starts with small talk, and remember, you could be the solution to their problem!
Be Interested. Genuinely.
People love talking about themselves, and networking events are a great space for it. Despite that, no one likes the one person who never lets anyone else get a word in edge-ways. As much as you might want to spread the word about your skillset, it’s equally important to let other people tell you about theirs.
Genuinely listen, involve yourself in the conversation, be curious, and ask follow-up questions! You might find the solution to a problem you’re having through somebody else, so make sure you are really listening and not just waiting for your turn to talk. If you’re interested in what they’re saying, the person you’re speaking to will pick up on it and immediately see you in a positive light.
Be Welcoming
Whether you’ve managed to get into conversation with a group, or are just scoping out the space, keep an eye out for anyone who might be struggling to strike up a conversation. If you see someone come in who looks a little out of their depth, make the effort to approach them! Or, if you’re already in a group conversation, open up the circle a little to make room for them, invite them over, and catch them up on what you’re all talking about. They’ll definitely be grateful for the invite! By getting someone involved like this you’re not only helping them out, you’re also giving a great impression and making yourself very memorable.
Network!
This may seem obvious, but don’t always stick with those you already know! It’s natural to gravitate towards a familiar face, but if you’re only catching up with old friends then you’re not going to get the most out of these events. You want to be meeting new people and sharing skillsets with each other, you’ll come away feeling good about your new connections (and hopefully feeling more confident for the next event too!).
Don’t be afraid of talking with multiple groups either. Once you get into a conversation, gauge whether these are people you’d like to continue connecting with, and if not, you can politely excuse yourself after the conversation and move to speak with another group. As long as you’re polite and respectful, no one can fault you.
Follow Through!
Don’t fall into the classic trap of saying: “We should go for a coffee sometime”, and then never actually doing it. You can’t partner with someone you’ve loosely planned to get a drink with at some point in the next 3 months, so create a plan and follow through! If you say you’re going to meet for a coffee, let them know your availability after the event. If you’re going to swap details or connect on LinkedIn, send a follow up message to establish that first contact.
You’ve already done the difficult part approaching them and carrying a good conversation, don’t let all that effort go to waste!
