Network like a pro in 2024. Gina's top five -practical - tips!

Greetings, and Happy New Year!

Ready to greet new people like you’re ready to embrace the new year?

I hope so, because as you all know, networking is a necessary part of every person’s career journey. New jobs, new prospects, new clients, new opportunities, they all arise from meeting with new people.

It’s one thing to meet one new person at a time for a coffee or an introduction over a Zoom link, but it’s quite something else to be faced with a sea of faces when you’re required to attend an actual, in-person networking event.

From conference to a cocktail reception, please let me share five invaluable strategies drawn from my own experience and those of my global clients to ensure you navigate these events with confidence and finesse.

And don’t forget, if you like the lessons in my newsletter, you will love the nearly 200 micro-lessons included in my exclusive, online video learning library, The Language of Leadership.

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1.???? Prepare with Purpose:

Use Linked In. Before you step into the networking arena, strategic preparation is your secret weapon. Start by researching the event and its attendees. LinkedIn is your backstage pass – connect with key individuals beforehand. Craft a personalized message expressing your anticipation for the event, setting the stage for a meaningful encounter.

Dress the part. Now, let's talk attire. Your appearance is your first impression, and it speaks volumes. Choose an outfit that mirrors the level of professionalism in your particular industry while still allowing your authentic personality to shine through. A big bank’s networking event will likely showcase a different fashion sense than something aimed at a tech start-up.

Unless you’re the CEO who sets the sartorial tone, I encourage my clients to choose wardrobe pieces that are one degree more to the conservative side of the spectrum you may be considering.? Err on the side of classic. ?

Also consider fit. Do your trousers, dress, skirt, shirt or jacket drape properly?

Are they too tight or too loose?? Try the outfit on before the event and walk around and move. You want to feel comfortable in your clothes, not worried that something is bulging or pulling where it shouldn’t be.?

2.???? Mastering the Art of Entrance and Introductions:

Make your entrance Once you arrive to the event, stand up tall, walk with purpose to the sign-in table or coat check and don’t forget to put your game face on.

Game face doesn’t mean plastering a fake smile, but it does mean that you are purposefully engaging your face to externally signal to others that you are comfortable and confident (even if you’re not feeling it inside.) Actively engaging your body language is an important step in developing executive presence – and something anyone can begin to take more control of.

Approaching a group? - Now that you’ve signed in, it’s time to meet some new people.

Approaching a group of people already engrossed in conversation can be intimidating, but fear not – it's all about finesse.

Unlike what you may read elsewhere, I do not encourage my clients to stand awkwardly outside a circle of three or more people and “wait for a natural pause,” it may never come and you’ll start to feel like a stalker.

Instead, stride toward the first group you see, and in a voice that is loud enough to be overheard but not shouting, simply quickly state,

“Hi, may I join you?”

My experience is that you will be received nearly 100 percent of the time.? Someone from the group pauses and says, “Sure.” The next thing you state here is simply, “Please continue. What were you all talking about.”?? The conversation may be picked up from there – or someone may stop the flow and ask you to introduce yourself.?

Introducing yourself

When the moment to introduce yourself does arrive, make it simple.? Your first name is fine and if you’re from different companies, then say the name of the organization you work with.

If you’re from the same company, then simply smile, give your first name and the department you work in.

I don’t suggest preparing and delivering a 30 second elevator speech here. It’s too contrived.

Remember, networking is a two-way street. Show genuine interest in others by asking open-ended questions. Listen to them and ask another follow-up or ask another person their thoughts on the first person’s take.? Get it? ??Imagine your conversation is a game of tennis and try to get the ball back over to their court by asking follow-up questions as many times as you can. ?Cultivate your curiosity.? This not only fosters connection but also makes you memorable in a sea of introductions.

3.???? Polite Exits and Room Navigation:

Conversations are enriching, but learning to gracefully exit is an art. When it's time to move on, express gratitude for the conversation and exchange contact information if necessary. A simple "It was wonderful meeting you”, or “It’s been a real pleasure speaking with you" usually does the trick. Most people understand the cue.? If they comment, you are free to politely add, “….and I better go meet some other wonderful people.” Trade business cards if anyone still does that anymore. Or tap to exchange e-contacts. But do find a way to always leave on a positive note.

Navigating the room is a skill. Be strategic in your movements and resist the urge to linger with familiar faces. Challenge yourself to engage with diverse professionals. A well-rounded network is a powerful asset, and each conversation contributes to your growth.

4.???? The Delicate Dance of Follow-Up:

Your work at the event isn't complete when you exit the venue. Swift and thoughtful follow-up is the bridge between a fleeting encounter and a lasting connection.

Within 48 hours, send personalized LinkedIn connection requests to those you've met. Include a brief message expressing your pleasure in connecting and referencing a key point from your conversation. Reinforce the memory and set the stage for future collaboration.

Further, consider sending a follow-up email expressing your appreciation for their time and reiterating your interest in staying connected. Attach any relevant resources or information discussed during the event. Remember, the key is to solidify the connection while the memory is still fresh.

5.???? Commit to Continuous Cultivation of Connections:

Networking is not a one-time affair; it's a continuous process. Nurture your connections by engaging with their content on LinkedIn, attending industry events together, or even scheduling periodic virtual or in-person catch-ups.

Keep the lines of communication open and be proactive in offering support when opportunities arise. I also encourage to create a notes field for them wherever you have filed their contact information.? Make notes about their company, their interests and hobbies, even their children. Anything that they spoke about to help you remember them as the real people that you are.

And remember, be proactive in your ongoing outreach. Don’t wait for them to follow-up.?

Networking is the vibrant thread that weaves different people from different companies, cultures and careers together. The connections you make may become colleagues, clients, customers or even real, honest to goodness friends.

But first you must adjust your mindset and behaviors to approach these events with intention, authenticity, and a commitment to building relationships that stand the test of time.

Remember, the seeds you plant today are the relationships that may bear fruit tomorrow.

Go forth and connect boldly!

Here’s to your networking success, every kindness,

Gina

PS Don’t forget to do yourself and your communications a favor by checking out my video leaning academy, www.LanguageofLeadership.org today. You’ll be glad you did. I promise.