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Having just gone to a networking event recently, I’m reminded of the stress associated with these events.
Most of them feel stuffy and pretentious when you walk in the door, and it seems like everyone knows each other except for you.
I sympathize with anyone scared to put themselves out there.
But if you want to grow your career fast, you need to be active at these events.
The people you meet turn into clients, friends, colleagues, advocates, and mentors.
They unlock doors for your career that will otherwise stay closed.
It’s cliché but true:
Your network is your net worth.
Here’s 6 practical tips to thrive at your next networking event.
Overdress by 20%
Right or wrong, I’m always intrigued by the best-dressed people at a networking event.
Therefore, in my experience, whatever you think the attire is, overdress by 20%.
2 reasons:
- You will stand out for looking professional.
- When you look good, you feel good. When you feel good, you network good.
Win your first battle of the event by dressing well and gaining confidence out of the gate.
Make an e-business card
I can’t stand business cards.
I have a drawer of them that I never look at.
It’s an antiquated way of introducing yourself.
Instead, create an e-business card using an app like blinq.
It uses a QR scanner to add contacts directly into your phone.
Much more efficient.
Plus, it’s a conversation starter because most people have never seen it.
Win-win.
Have a list of questions ready
I wrote a whole LinkedIn post about this:
Most people hate networking events because they get nervous during awkward silences in the conversation.
To overcome that, have a list of questions you’re ready to ask.
Here are some examples:
- What company are you with?
- What kind of work do you do?
- What brings you to this event?
- What inspired you to pursue your current role/position?
- What’s something interesting that you’re working on right now?
- What is the #1 challenge you’re facing right now?
- What are your current personal and professional goals?
- Can you share a success story from your career that you're particularly proud of?
- Can you tell me about a time when you faced a challenging situation at work and how you overcame it?
- Are there any books or podcasts you would suggest for me to learn about growth and leadership?
Save this email and bring up these questions before each event.
Ask for an introduction
The hardest part of networking events is breaking into a large group of people already deep in conversation.
“Do I go up and interrupt them? Or stand here by myself?”
I have found the best way to avoid this feeling is when you finish one good conversation, ask the person you talked to if they will introduce you to someone else at the event.
No more awkward break-ins!
Drink 1 or less alcoholic beverages
This is super hard for most people, but I’m telling you it works:
Drink 1 or less alcoholic beverages.
Most people will get pretty buzzed and that’s fine. I’m not judging.
But refraining from drinking 1) is professional 2) allows you to be sober and on your game when everyone is getting buzzed.
Sometimes, this is when you learn the best information!
Trust me, it’s a good strategy.
Follow up
Last but not least, you need to follow up.
I usually do this via email. Steal this template:
“Hey [name],
It was great meeting you at [event].
I loved talking about [something you talked about].
I want to hear more about you and your business.
It would be great to have coffee sometime. Do you have any availability in [month]? I could do [date], [date], or [date] if any of those could work.
Thanks again,
[your name]”
The follow up ensures that a nice conversation turns into a real relationship.
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