For even the most experienced
professionals the prospect of networking
with peers can be a daunting one and
many people are often intimidated by the
fear of an awkward conversation or even
how to approach a networking target
without appearing insincere.
However, if you can get over the nerves
and prepare correctly, networking at
industry events can really help you
enhance your career prospects, build your
confidence and allow you to get a better
understanding of your industry. Remember,
you don't always have to be a confident
extrovert to succeed at networking and
there are lots of ways to prepare before
you start. So, here are a few tips to bear in mind.
You can usually visualize how
you'll approach people by rehearsing a
short informal way of introducing
yourself. Limit yourself to 45 seconds to
describe the core details of your
current role clearly and concisely. Its
also worthwhile familiarizing yourself
with the background of your networking
targets and their company, as well as some
current industry news and trends so you
have topical material to refer to in
conversations.
If you're new to networking and are
intimidated by the idea of approaching
new people, try and seek out familiar
faces first to build up your confidence
and practice your approach.
Why not begin by approaching friends,
university alumni or former colleagues
who might have contacts in your field.
This way you can be introduced by a
mutual acquaintance rather than
approaching someone cold when you're
not that well acquainted.
You can also use existing contacts to
practice your delivery and opening lines.
If you're struggling to think of ways to
initiate a conversation,
why not mention that you've read an
article they've recently written or shared or
that your LinkedIn profile shows you
went to the same university or have a
similar work history.
You can also try referring to any
relevant industry news or developments
in order to show off your knowledge
and gauge their opinion on the topic.
Networking is largely about listening,
figuring out the needs of others and
connecting them with people in your
network who you think can help.
Successful networkers often rely on
sharing advice or recommending services
before they can really begin discussing
their own backgrounds and ambitions. As
tempting as it may be to push your own
agenda, by letting it take a backseat,
you're more likely to make the best
first impression.
Instead, try and build a rapport with
people by asking about what they're
currently working on or whether you can
help with a particular task or introduce
them to someone they might need. Just
remember to avoid asking attendees about
vacancies or future positions and never
offer people your business card unless
they ask for it.
Building lasting professional
relationships takes time and you're
unlikely to forge connections at a
networking event with superficial
chat. Don't try to charm everyone in
the room, instead focus on building a
rapport with a few key influencers and
consider asking thoughtful and genuine
questions to spark lengthy conversations.
Remember that you need to know your
subject and give the person you're
speaking to a reason to continue the
conversation. Asking their opinion on a
topic you're particularly knowledgeable
about can be a good way to ensure your
responses are strong and informed. Its
also worthwhile asking about what they
like about their current role as this is
likely to spark an engaging conversation.
Remember that seventy percent of all
communication is non-verbal, so you should
also take into account your body
language and be sure to stay engaged.
If you've managed to come away from the
event with new contacts, consider
following up with an email or LinkedIn
connection request a day or two after
the meeting or event. If the conversation
is going well, don't hesitate to pull out
your phone and connect with them there
and then. When it comes to staying in
touch and keeping the conversation going,
try and use email and social media. Pass on
relevant industry related information
whenever you can and try and respond to
anything they shared with likes and
insightful remarks.
Also, if you're attending another event,
don't be afraid to ask for a delegate list
beforehand so you can check to see if
any of your new contacts are attending.
Finally, our top tip would be to
understand how and when to move away
from a conversation if things aren't
going to plan. If the person isn't
interested and is being short with
their answers, don't panic.
Read the signs and just politely move on.