Networking is about meeting new people and building relationships. It can help you find new customers, learn about new opportunities, and get support from others. To network effectively, be friendly, listen carefully, and follow up with people you meet.

Start by doing your homework—know who will be there and what they do. Approach with a friendly smile and a firm handshake. Begin with small talk to break the ice, then steer the conversation towards common interests or industry topics. Be genuinely interested in what they have to say. When it’s time to move on, politely excuse yourself and express interest in staying in touch. Follow up with a LinkedIn request or an email. By being prepared and personable, you can make meaningful connections effortlessly.

The art of networking lies not in collecting contacts, but in weaving connections. Like a skilled dancer, move through conversations with grace and purpose. Listen intently, find common ground, and bridge discussions naturally. Your genuine interest in others becomes the invisible thread linking one interaction to the next. Remember, every person you meet is a doorway to new worlds of opportunity. By focusing on creating value for others, you'll find yourself effortlessly flowing from one meaningful exchange to another, building a tapestry of relationships that can transform your professional journey.

First, FACE THE FACT THAT IT MAY BE UNSUCCESSFUL! Unfortunately, all networking events are not created equal. Many individuals after attaining certain executive roles may only wish to network with their peers or higher level executives. Then, be prepared & set realistic clear goals on what you want to achieve and research the attendees for confidence in initiating conversations. Engage meaningfully with a concise elevator pitch-open-ended questions spur conversations. Immediately after meetings, share your contact information & send a thank-you note immediately afterward with the offer to speak again sometime. Use social media such as LinkedIn to stay connected, & share content that will help your network, which keeps you top of mind.

Networking is hard, I really struggle when entering a room where I don't know anyone. I tend to see who will be there, and if there are any specific people I want to approach, but also, who I might already know, as then I can first catch up with them. This helps me to feel more relaxed about meeting others, as I know there is someone there who I can always chat to if I need a break or am struggling to speak with others. But as hard as it is, it's a great way to meet new contacts, they may not be someone you can sell to, but developing these connections is a great way to establish yourself. I have made some great connections from networking events, as well as meeting existing clients face to face for the first time.