How can you make a lasting impression when networking in urban planning?

1 Know your goals

Before you attend any networking event, whether it is a conference, a workshop, a webinar, or a social gathering, you should have a clear idea of what you want to achieve. Do you want to learn something new, meet someone specific, or explore new opportunities? Having a goal will help you focus your attention, prepare your pitch, and follow up accordingly. It will also help you avoid wasting time or getting distracted by irrelevant conversations.

2 Research and plan

Once you have your goal, you should do some research and plan your approach. Find out who will be attending or speaking at the event, what topics will be discussed, and what issues are relevant to the urban planning field. You can use online platforms, such as LinkedIn, Twitter, or blogs, to learn more about the people and organizations you are interested in. You can also prepare some questions, comments, or compliments to initiate or join conversations. Planning ahead will help you avoid awkward silences, show your interest and knowledge, and make a positive impression.

3 Be yourself and be curious

Networking is not only about exchanging information and contacts, but also about building relationships and trust. Therefore, you should be yourself and be authentic when you interact with others. Don't pretend to be someone you are not, or exaggerate your achievements or skills. Instead, be honest, humble, and respectful. You should also be curious and open-minded when you listen to others. Ask thoughtful questions, show genuine interest, and learn from their perspectives and experiences. Being yourself and being curious will help you connect with others on a personal and professional level.

4 Follow up and follow through

The most important part of networking is what happens after the event. You should follow up with the people you met and express your appreciation and interest. You can send them an email, a message, or a connection request on social media, depending on the context and the level of formality. You should also follow through on any promises or commitments you made during the conversation. For example, if you said you would share a resource, a contact, or a feedback, you should do it as soon as possible. Following up and following through will help you maintain and strengthen the relationship, and show your reliability and professionalism.

5 Keep in touch and keep learning

Networking is not a one-time activity, but a continuous process of building and nurturing your network. You should keep in touch with the people you met and update them on your progress, achievements, or challenges. You can also share relevant information, opportunities, or events that might interest them. You should also keep learning from your network and seek their advice, feedback, or support when needed. You can also offer your help, expertise, or referrals when appropriate. Keeping in touch and keeping learning will help you grow your network and your career in urban planning.