What are the best tips for making a great first impression when networking in Higher Education?

1 Do your homework

Before you attend a networking event, do some research on the people and organizations that will be there. Find out what they do, what they are looking for, and what they have in common with you. This will help you prepare some relevant and engaging questions and topics to talk about. You can also use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, or ResearchGate to learn more about their backgrounds, publications, projects, and interests. Doing your homework will show that you are genuinely interested and respectful of their work.

3 Be friendly and approachable

One of the most important aspects of networking is to be friendly and approachable. You want to show that you are open to meeting new people and learning from them. You can do this by smiling, making eye contact, and using positive body language. You can also introduce yourself to others, offer a firm handshake, and use their names when you talk to them. You can also compliment them on their work, ask them about their experiences, and listen actively to what they say. Being friendly and approachable will help you build rapport and trust with your contacts.

4 Have an elevator pitch

An elevator pitch is a short and concise summary of who you are, what you do, and what you want to achieve. It is called an elevator pitch because you should be able to deliver it in the time it takes to ride an elevator with someone. Having an elevator pitch will help you introduce yourself effectively and capture the attention of your contacts. You can tailor your pitch to the specific context and audience of the event, and highlight your skills, achievements, and goals. You can also end your pitch with a question or a call to action, to invite further conversation and collaboration.

5 Follow up

The last tip for making a great first impression when networking in higher education is to follow up with your contacts after the event. You can send them a thank-you email, a LinkedIn request, or a message on another platform. You can also share some resources, feedback, or opportunities that might be relevant or useful for them. You can also ask them if they are interested in staying in touch, meeting again, or working together on a project. Following up will help you maintain and strengthen your relationships, and show that you are reliable and interested.

6 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?