Here's how you can avoid common networking mistakes as an event planner.

Networking can be a bit tricky, but it’s all about understanding your goals. It's easy to get caught up in making friends and end up overextending yourself. If your goal is to make a business contact or find a vendor, stay focused. Think of it like this: you're at an event, and there’s a lot of interesting people and conversations. It’s tempting to dive into all of them, but remember why you're there. Stay on track with your goals, and you'll make meaningful connections without spreading yourself too thin.

When networking, focus on building authentic relationships first. Instead of immediately asking for favors, adopt a "give first" mentality. Offer your help to others before seeking theirs. People are more likely to assist you when they see your sincerity in building a relationship. ??

Before attending any networking event or engaging in networking activities, clearly define what you want to accomplish. Are you looking for new clients, vendors, partners, or simply to increase your industry knowledge? Having clear goals has helped me focus my efforts and choose the right events and contacts, making my networking more strategic and effective.

Active listening involves more than just hearing words; it's about understanding the context and the emotions behind what is being said. By focusing fully on the speaker, asking insightful questions, and responding thoughtfully, I’ve built deeper and more meaningful connections. This approach demonstrates your interest and respect for others' perspectives, making conversations more engaging and productive.

One of the most common networking mistakes is failing to follow up after making initial contact. Sending a timely follow-up email or message can help solidify the relationship and keep the dialogue going. I make it a point to follow up within 24-48 hours with a personalized message that references something specific from our conversation, which shows attentiveness and genuine interest.

My favourite tricks for standing out in rooms where I was scared to put my neck out. 1. I wore something that was unique. In a sea of black, I would wear sequins. Even if I couldn't start the conversation - others naturally would... with a compliment that boosted my confidence! 2. Get REALLY Good with Details. Collect business cards and jot notes on them. "Susan - pink glasses, loves dogs, and vacations in the Bahamas." Then, when we connected again, I already knew things I could discuss or bring up, and/or even a gift I could surprise them with! 3. Have You Met... I'm an introvert who struggles in crowds, but having an extroverted sidekick to hype me up became my secret weapon to see myself as confident and magical as they did finally!

I'm a big fan of asking my network who they know and who I need to know... often. It can be in an email, over lunch or even on the phone. If you like, know and trust those in your inner circle - chances are that their inner circle will also be your style. Ask for the referrals, connections and introductions and go for it!

Don't view networking simply as about making connections; it's also about continuous learning. For example, attending a conference workshop might introduce you to a new technology to help your event planning process. Or a casual chat with a fellow planner could reveal a clever solution to a problem. By staying curious and open-minded, we enhance our skills and position ourselves as forward-thinking professionals!