You're attending a networking event with your industry peers. How can you make the most of it?

1 Set a clear goal

Before you attend a networking event, ask yourself what you want to achieve from it. Do you want to meet new people, deepen existing relationships, find mentors, collaborators, or clients, or learn something new? Having a clear goal will help you focus your time and energy on the most relevant and valuable conversations. It will also help you craft your elevator pitch, which is a concise and compelling introduction of who you are, what you do, and what value you can offer.

3 Be approachable and engaging

At the event, make sure you dress appropriately, wear your name tag, and smile. These are simple but effective ways to show your professionalism and confidence, and to invite others to talk to you. Also, be mindful of your body language and avoid crossing your arms, looking at your phone, or standing in a corner. Instead, maintain eye contact, nod, and lean in when you listen to someone. To start a conversation, use open-ended questions that show your curiosity and enthusiasm. For example, you can ask someone how they heard about the event, what they are working on, or what they are looking forward to.

4 Follow up and follow through

After the event, don't let the connections you made fade away. Follow up with the people you met within 24 hours and thank them for their time and insights. You can also remind them of something you discussed, share a resource or a referral, or suggest a next step. For example, you can invite them to connect on LinkedIn, join your newsletter, or schedule a call. The key is to keep the conversation going and to add value to the relationship. Also, if you promised to do something for someone, make sure you follow through and deliver on your word.

5 Evaluate and improve

Finally, take some time to evaluate your performance and results from the event. Ask yourself what went well, what didn't, and what you can do better next time. You can also ask for feedback from someone you trust or respect. This will help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, and to improve your skills and strategies for future networking events. Remember that networking is a long-term and ongoing process that requires practice and patience. The more you network, the more you will grow your personal brand and your professional network.

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?