Networking events are great opportunities to expand your professional contacts, showcase your expertise, and learn from others in your field. However, to make a lasting impression, you need to prepare well and follow some best practices. Here are some effective ways to make a good impression at a networking event.
Before you attend a networking event, you should have a clear idea of what you want to achieve. Do you want to meet potential clients, partners, mentors, or peers? Do you want to learn more about a specific topic, industry, or trend? Do you want to promote your brand, product, or service? Having specific and realistic goals will help you focus your efforts and measure your success.
I make sure I'm dressed appropriately. Keep my hands free (no drink or snack) for ease of hand-shaking and talking I ask people about themselves - What are they hoping to accomplish? What's their business/interest? I try to make sure that I listen much more than I talk. I ask (if it makes sense) if we can connect offline, explaining that I don't want to monopolize their time (they're there to network, not have an in-depth dialog with me) I follow up right after the event (within 24 hours) just to say it was nice meeting them and ask if the event proved successful for them. If there was something that was an opportunity for us to continue the conversation, I offer my calendly link to set a time for a 30 minute call.
Setting goals are great but look at it as a framework and not a destination. You want to create authentic relationships with the people you are meeting and arriving with predetermined outcomes and skew your natural flow of connecting.
Once you have your goals, you should do some research on the event and the attendees. Find out who is organizing, sponsoring, speaking, or exhibiting at the event. Learn more about their backgrounds, interests, and challenges. Identify the people you want to connect with and why. This will help you tailor your pitch, prepare your questions, and start meaningful conversations.
Going to a networking event without doing research is a waste of time. First, busy business owners need to strategically select where they will network, 2) look for events where like-minded people and decision makers are, 3) research who the organizers and sponsors are, that will lead to individuals, research them, 4) share on #LinkedIn that you are considering attending and ask for thoughts / DMs to start an exchange, 5) if there's a list of companies (i.e.: tradeshow) select your prospects and research them, 6) polish your own pitch and 7) research some industry latest news so that you have value to add to do the conversations. Lastly, have fun!
The way you dress can affect how others perceive you and how confident you feel. You should dress according to the dress code, the venue, and the audience of the event. You don't have to wear a suit if the event is casual, but you should look neat, professional, and comfortable. You should also avoid wearing anything too flashy, revealing, or distracting. You want to stand out for your skills and personality, not for your outfit.
I always suggest dress in a way that reflects your personality. I encourage others to wear pins and accessories that reflect your interest because they could be possible connecting points with others. It's a great networking tool. Many great conversations started from someone pointing out that they like my shoes or scarf. One time I wore a pin from a youth organization I really like to a meeting and the person I was meeting with instantly said they love that organization as well. It started the meeting off on the right note. It's a beautiful way to connect with others and find common interest but make it natural and not forced. It's not always necessary though. Use your best judgement to know what accessories appropriate for which settings.
When you arrive at the event, you should greet the organizers, hosts, and staff. Thank them for their work and express your interest in the event. You should also be polite and respectful to everyone you meet. Introduce yourself with a smile and a firm handshake. Listen attentively and show genuine curiosity. Avoid interrupting, dominating, or arguing. You should also respect people's time and space. Don't overstay your welcome or follow someone around. If you want to end a conversation, do it gracefully and politely.
The most important part of networking is following up. You should collect business cards, notes, or contact information from the people you meet. You should also send them a personalized email or message within 24 hours of the event. Thank them for their time and remind them of what you discussed. You should also suggest a way to stay in touch or continue the conversation. For example, you could invite them to join your newsletter, connect on social media, or schedule a call or meeting.
Follow up is everything! I have connected a funder (with a portfolio of $1M+) with my partners in community impact and the funder shared that they would have funded every organization they met with but only ONE person followed up so they were the only one getting funded. A great meeting is great but if its not followed by intentional relationship building it's in vain.
Love the tip about following up promptly. Most people fail at this point, and what could've been a great relationship ends up dying! Following up is essential. An email and a personalized note work best in my opinion.
The last step is to keep the relationship alive. You should not treat networking as a one-time event, but as a long-term process. You should maintain regular contact with your new connections and provide value to them. You could share relevant articles, resources, or opportunities. You could also offer feedback, advice, or referrals. You could also attend more events or join online groups where they are active. The goal is to build trust, rapport, and mutual benefit.