What are the most important things to remember when networking in PR?

It's a small, small world. Networking is key to business development, career advancement, and media, influencer and partner relations. Those worlds are not bubbles. Good, helpful, and of-service attitude and behavior will transcend the moment and help you in all aspects. Conversely, a rude, what-can-you-do-for-me, and "you're too small to matter" approach will bring you down quickly.

What do you bring to the table, that you can give that other person? How can your skills benefit them, as they help you achieve your goals? For years I hated networking. I felt I might just as well walk up and say, "Hi, I'm So-and-So, I want to use your talents and expertise to my benefit." Ugh. You can imagine, I DID NOT do much networking. But--what if you reframe it? The "offer something of value" which another contributor has mentioned here, is key. What are three key things you might be able to give that other person in return for what you might like them to provide?

Uma boa rede networking exige que você tenha objetivos claros, mas que n?o seja apenas por interesse. Construir uma boa rede de relacionamento que tenha uma troca mútua pode te ajudar a aprender e crescer profissionalmente. Ser autentico e se interessar em assuntos diversos s?o diferenciais.

Before attending a networking event, research and identify your goals. Determine what you hope to achieve and who you want to meet. Consider how you can provide value to others. Clear goals help focus your efforts, ensuring meaningful interactions. Prepare an elevator pitch, succinctly introducing yourself, skills, and goals.

Authenticity is key in networking. Instead of solely viewing others as potential resources, strive to build meaningful relationships based on genuine interest and mutual respect. Take the time to listen actively, ask thoughtful questions, and show a sincere curiosity about others' work.

People often overlook the fundamental rule of networking, which is not just about seeking job opportunities or selling your products or services. Instead, networking is a mutual exchange where you discuss your interests, aspirations, goals, current projects, and career. Attending a networking event should not be about meeting tons of people and connecting on LinkedIn, rather, it should focus on building lasting relationships with a selected few. Through conversations, it's important to understand how you can be mutually beneficial. In networking, quality always outweighs quantity.

Do your research. Attending networking events can be a fantastic opportunity. So, it will help if you do a little bit of planning. Are you ready with your business cards? Might help if you have a QR code that you can share for those who no longer are keen on exchanging physical business cards? Have a look at who might be attending and get to know them a little bit by visiting their LinkedIn profiles or checking out the news for anything they might have said in a recent interview or an op-ed piece. These are conversation starters and might even surprise people you will meet in a positive way.

Effective networking involves genuine, two-way conversations. Be authentic and curious, displaying a sincere interest in others' backgrounds, challenges, and aspirations. Pose open-ended questions to spark meaningful dialogue. Share relevant stories showcasing your value and personality. Avoid being overly pushy or self-centered, fostering connections based on mutual understanding.

I think that the PR industry overlooks authenticity, because we are sales professionals in a way. Our objective is to "sell" a media contact on a feature. However, it's so important to be authentic and create genuine connections. That's how you can ensure the longevity of a relationship and a connection for years to come.

This final phase is equally crucial, as the relationships you've built can easily fade if you neglect them once the event is over. It's essential to sustain and nurture these connections for long-term success. Shortly after the event, reach out to the people you interacted with to express your gratitude for their time and contributions to the conversation and offer any additional information or resources you discussed. To keep the relationship thriving, aim to touch base at least twice a month. A practical strategy is to stay connected through their social media accounts, ensuring you remain on each others’ radars. By consistently maintaining contact beyond the event, you will establish yourself as a reliable partner.

Organize the business cards that you've received from the event. Categorize them by industries so you can have a clear picture of the connections that you've built through the event. Then decide who you want to follow up with for future collaborations.

Networking extends beyond events and requires ongoing effort. After an event, send personalized, timely messages to contacts, expressing gratitude and interest in staying connected. Propose specific actions like a meeting, resource sharing, or introductions. Ensure your words translate into actions, demonstrating reliability and trustworthiness.

By consistently maintaining contact and actively engaging with people beyond the event, you will establish yourself as a reliable and supportive partner. This ongoing relationship-building effort not only maintains their interest but also opens doors to future collaborations and opportunities. In the world of PR, sustained connections are often the key to lasting success. Keep in mind that cultivating relationships is a gradual process, so it's crucial to maintain patience and consistency. While events can provide an excellent chance to turn cold contacts to warm ones, this transformation relies on your ability to establish trust and credibility with these contacts.

[en/pt] If respect is essential, being interested, and not self-interested, is distinctive. And it's easy to confuse the two. Good professionals build an excellent network by being interested in other people, their stories, and challenges. Se respeito é essencial, ser interessado, e n?o interesseiro, é diferencial. E é fácil confundir as duas coisas. Bons profissionais constroem um excelente networking ao serem interessados pelas outras pessoas, suas historias e desafios.

Public Relations always has been and will continue to be about the relationship-building business. It’s the backbone of who we are and what we do. The one who masters networking makes them as good as gold in the eyes of their peers and colleagues. They cultivate and maintain productive relations through frequent and consistent in-person and virtual opportunities. This pro is indispensable to the team and organization. As a result, their voice, opinion and presence are always valued. Often, networking begins by having a simple, genuine conversation with one or more. The pro who masters is authentic and makes others feel that they truly matter. He or she is a supreme connector who enjoys people and knows how to build on that relationship.

I do a lot of networking online, and the key I find is listening, and adding value, rather than selling. Listen, be friendly, and make a good impression. Even if the contact does not need your services, they might know someone who does, and will more than likely refer you to other people.