Network your way to the top!

I’ve never met anyone who is a born ready networker. It’s one of those things that we all know we should do, but never find time for.

Networking can help to further careers at any level, but most people I know will do whatever they can to avoid an evening of awkwardness and starting conversations with strangers.

One of the reasons why nerves can overrule us in these circumstances is because many of us network haphazardly. We take part in some industry groups, attend sector events, meet up with ex-colleagues or just try to meet as many as people as possible, but there isn’t a plan in place.  It’s essential to always remember that meeting the right people is the best reward from taking the time to network. The right people are those that can help you reach your career or business goals, not just the first friendly face in the room.  

Here are my top tips of how best to approach your next event:

Preparation:

The best advice I can give you is be prepared. Most of the time, there will be a list of attendees available for you to browse through before attending a networking event. This is your chance to develop pre-connections. There’s no room for nerves if you’ve eliminated all the unknowns before attending. Check out attendees LinkedIn profiles and use interesting items you find as an ice breaker. Not only will you break any awkward silences but you’ll also make a good impression and be the person they remember. If someone starts a conversation by mentioning somewhere you used to work, where you attended university or any communities you’re a member of – you’re instantly engaged.

It’s not a business card race:

Many believe that the only aim of networking is to hand out as many business cards as possible. The secret to effective networking however is to make sure you collect the business cards of the people you meet. This way you can control the follow up. If you give away your card, you’re also giving away the control. After you go to a networking event, write notes on the back of the cards about the conversation you had with this person and potential ways to follow up.

Don’t just pitch yourself, be sociable:

I often hear feedback from networking events that people don’t know what to say when they first introduce themselves. They stumble over their elevator pitch trying to impress someone with their title or sector knowledge. Here's the secret to removing the awkwardness... remember that it’s the commonality that matters. Enter into conversations and ask questions and most importantly listen. Talking about yourself isn’t a conversation, it’s an ill-timed pitch to a stranger. So loosen up a bit and have a real conversation.

Don’t just meet like minded people:

If you attend networking events and only meet with people you like and people like you, well you’ve just wasted an evening. We like talking to people we already know, or who are similar to us because its within our comfort zone. However, diverse networks offer the greater rewards and are the ones that can provide real insight and fresh thoughts and opportunities for your career.

Be social:

Let people know your movements – use your social networks to tell everyone how excited you are to network and where/when they can meet you and how much you enjoyed the evening afterwards. Also ensure that anyone who may have missed an opportunity to approach you or get in touch can do so by tracking and viewing your comments from the event using the correct links and hashtags. 

Overall, always remember that you’re giving up an evening of your time to attend events so you need to get something out of it. Make the effort and even if you don’t find a new client or business mentor straight away, the chances of meeting someone who knows someone who could help you or who you could help in return are high.

Everyone you meet could provide an opportunity you never knew existed.. so get chatting!

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