How do you approach networking events with confidence and curiosity?

1 Set your goals

Before you attend a networking event, think about what you want to achieve. Do you want to meet new people, find potential mentors, learn about a specific topic, or explore new opportunities? Having a clear and realistic goal can help you focus your attention and energy, and avoid feeling overwhelmed or lost. Write down your goal and some possible questions or conversation starters that relate to it.

3 Be yourself

One of the most important aspects of networking is authenticity. You don't have to pretend to be someone you are not, or say things you don't believe in. Instead, be yourself and show your personality, values, and interests. People are more likely to trust and connect with you if you are genuine and honest. You can also use your strengths, skills, and passions to showcase your value and potential.

4 Ask questions

One of the best ways to approach networking events with curiosity is to ask questions. Questions can help you start and maintain conversations, learn from others, and show your interest and enthusiasm. You can ask open-ended questions that invite people to share their stories, opinions, or advice, such as "How did you get started in this field?" or "What are some of the challenges you face?" You can also ask follow-up questions that show you are listening and engaged, such as "What did you learn from that experience?" or "How do you deal with that situation?"

5 Listen actively

Another key skill for networking is active listening. Active listening means paying attention to what the other person is saying, and showing that you understand and respect their point of view. You can use verbal and non-verbal cues to demonstrate active listening, such as nodding, smiling, paraphrasing, or summarizing. Active listening can help you build rapport, trust, and mutual understanding with your interlocutors.

6 Follow up

The last step to approach networking events with confidence and curiosity is to follow up. Following up means reaching out to the people you met and expressing your appreciation, interest, or feedback. You can use email, social media, or phone calls to follow up, depending on the context and preference of the other person. You can also suggest ways to keep in touch, such as sharing resources, inviting them to another event, or asking for a meeting. Following up can help you maintain and strengthen your relationships, and create new opportunities for collaboration or learning.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?