The Key to Making the Most of Your Next Networking Event

What’s the key to getting the most out of your networking events? I believe it’s intention.

There are more than a few things to consider when it comes to maximizing your networking efforts, and it all seems to boil down to having defined your specific purpose. You can show up for events and get some value, but when you show up with intentionality, you’re strategically using your time and effort for greater benefit.

As you likely know, networking and building relationships is crucial for professional accomplishment. Plenty of research has been done corroborating the huge impact networking has on career and business success .

But, although networking is essential for success, it can be a major challenge to develop the right mindset and make time for it. This is one way being intentional can be very helpful! So, let’s look at how to use intention as a way to make the very most of your time and your networking activities.

1. PREPARE IN ADVANCE

Take some time to think about your specific purpose before you even add an event to your calendar. It may seem excessive, but it’s important to really think through your goals, how you might help others, and what you hope to gain. Here are some tips on that:

Consider the crowd and how you can help. Networking is about creating relationships. Just like any relationship, it’s about an exchange, a give-and-take. Thinking about how you can serve others before you enter the room can cut through any awkwardness, increase authenticity, and make you feel great about what you’re doing. (More on this later.)

Along those lines, think about the people likely to be in attendance based on your experiences with the type of event. If it’s a new event, you’ll learn more about potential attendees from the title, the host, the sponsor, the venue, and the time of day.

Then, take a bit of time to reflect on your knowledge, background, experiences, existing network, your skills, and strengths that may be of use. This will help you with faster recall when conversations steer in those particular directions, and the boost of self-confidence that comes from this exercise is always a good thing!

Consider your goals. What is it you want to achieve through networking? What do you hope to achieve specifically with this event? You know this already. Perhaps it’s to connect with other professionals for the purpose of learning about new job opportunities. Maybe it’s to source introductions to learn more about a new field or area of interest. Or, it could be to gain business leads. Maybe there are other ways in which you could use help. Whatever your goal, be prepared with your asks, so that you can easily fit them in as conversation flows.

2. CONNECT DURING THE EVENT

Let’s face it, except for the extreme extroverts among us, walking up to a stranger, much less a group of strangers, to start a conversation can be tough. Here are some ideas for how to approach these interactions with an authentic, positive and productive mindset to help you more calmly navigate your next networking event.

Talk to people. The biggest hurdle in networking is actually approaching people and starting a conversation. If this an issue for you, some have found it helpful to commit to talking with a certain number of people. Each conversation then helps accomplish that goal.

Get curious. Ask questions that help you learn more about the other person. People generally feel great talking about themselves. This is a terrific opportunity to find out what others care about, for instance, and a great way to gain a sense of how you might be able to help. When someone comments, get curious, and ask another question to learn more. For example, what inspired her to get into her profession? What is he learning? What does she enjoy most about her work? And, then just simply ask, "How can I help you with that?"

Listen attentively. It’s actually quite common when meeting new people to be thinking of our next question or comment while the other person is still talking. Slow down a bit, take your time and really listen when engaged in conversation. Look for ways to support the other person’s work in some way, provide helpful information, invite him to another networking event, offer a potential introduction, etc.

Make your ask. When talking with others and learning about them, be sure to look for natural openings to vocalize what would help you. Perhaps the opportunity comes up when talking about your work. “In fact, I’m looking to shift to a career in journalism. Do you happen to know anyone in that industry?”

At the same time, don’t worry if you leave the event without any leads or potential introductions. You will have plenty of time to ask those questions of your new connections when following up. And, depending on what you’re looking for help with, it may even be better that way.

Above all, don’t go in with expectations that are unrealistic. It is sometimes necessary to plant loads of seeds in order for one of them to sprout.

Release any pressure. Most of us really want to be able to help others because it feels good to do so. Helping others from a place of connection and pleasure actually makes us happy according to research done by happiness researcher and author, Elizabeth Dunn . And, this is an excellent, positive networking mindset.

But, even if a way to be of service doesn’t come to mind immediately, getting to know others is interesting, in and of itself, and it helps you grow your network. Chances are you will find ways to contribute later. And, keep in mind that sometimes the act of reciprocating value to others in the moment can be as simple as an authentic “thank you.”

Another way to take the pressure off of striking up a conversation with someone new is to view it as an experiment. Most people will welcome you to the group to meet and talk. After all, they may also feel awkward and will appreciate your approach. But, there will still be a handful of people who aren’t friendly or accommodating. This is life.

As an experiment, see how long it takes to get into conversation with others and which approaches work well. Stepping back from the fear of rejection in this way can provide helpful objectivity and positivity when putting yourself out there.

Also, going to an event with a networking partner can cut back on the pressure. For instance, ask your networking colleague to observe and intervene when you are trying to strike up a conversation with a group if it isn’t going well. The comfort of knowing someone is there to support you (and you them) can be very helpful for getting into the mix at events.

Finally, have fun. Sure, you’re in a room with a bunch of strangers, but they’re just people. Keep it casual, get interested in learning about them, be prepared to talk about yourself a bit, and just enjoy the food, the beverage and the idea of making new connections.

3. CULTIVATE RELATIONSHIPS POST-EVENT

Following up with your new connections is a must to grow your network. It seems obvious. Yet life is busy and without a system for staying in touch, connections can get lost quickly. Here are a few ideas to create a bit of structure for following up and cultivating relationships.

Record your notes. As soon as you can, perhaps even on your phone afterward, record notes on whom you met, what you learned about them and what you talked about. Later, you can add this information along with each person’s title and contact information to your networking spreadsheet. (If you don’t have a networking spreadsheet, now is a great time to start one! Here’s an example that you can download and use.)

Follow up. Send an email the next day to the people you met, especially those you genuinely want to get to know better. In your message you might thank them for their time, follow up on their offer to help, forward a relevant article, offer to help them in some way, provide additional comments or answers to questions that came up in conversation, express your interest in getting together for a cup of coffee or lunch, ask them for an introduction, or ask for some other specific form of assistance that you may not have mentioned when you first met.

Stay in touch. Calendar a future date to be in touch with your new contact to further the relationship. Or, find another way to remind yourself to do so. Intentions are great, but easily fall through without a concrete plan.

Expand your connection points. Head over to LinkedIn (and other professional online social platforms) and send connection requests with a personal message to those you just met. This is a great way to get to know people better and another avenue for staying in touch.

The bottom line is that networking can be difficult to fit in, and yet it is a powerful tool that streamlines professional success. Make the most of your next networking event by being intentional. Spend a bit of time planning. Get curious about how you can help others and rev up your positive mindset. Fit in your own requests for help. Create some structure for follow up. And most of all, be yourself and enjoy the event!