Networking 101 Tips and Tricks Beyond "Hello My Name Is".....

Networking. It starts with a smile and a hello….. “Well, Hello There”!

Last week I was asked to be a panelist “How to Make the Most of Attending a Conference: Master the Art of Networking”. There were several of us from different arms of the company. All of whom brought a different perspective and view. As expected, it was wonderful to meet a few hundred new connections.

Do you freeze in your tracks and feel paralyzed when talking about networking and how to go about it? Then this is for you. I thought I'd share some of my tricks for beginners and tips for the more experienced.

When possible, I like to start networking at the smaller and local events. This way, you don’t get lost in a sea of people. Build up to the larger events like Simmons and Mass Conference for Women when you're ready. Jump on LinkedIn or Facebook to find some local networking events. These are often before or after work hours to balance what you can attend.

Let’s Get Started:

• Do some research. If you are given a list of names attending the event, reach out prior to the date via email or LinkedIn. If their profile has a connection for you, mention it (School, College, Past Work experience, Sorority/Fraternity, volunteering opportunity). You’ll find a better ROI if there is a connection. If not, a simple hello and looking forward to meeting you next week will suffice. Maybe they don’t know anyone either and a friendly face will be welcomed!
• If you don’t have any names but you know a specific company will be present, do your research on key players, if the company has been in the news, and connections you may already have.

You’re Getting Ready for the Day:

• Pack up extra business cards. If you don’t have business cards, make your own, order from an online mailing company or bring address labels. If you think you might see 20-25 people, bring 50. You may want to give out 2 at a time if the person you are speaking to might need another to pass along for you!
• Dress appropriately- Layers. Always layer. I have been in events that was so hot I could not concentrate on the conversation or too cold to want to stay in the conversation. Dress professionally but comfortably. And that may mean your favorite black flats instead of boots or heals as you may find yourself with standing room only. I also have learned to wear pants in case you find a wall and sit in a group on the floor.
• I like to wear a pop of color, a chunky or shinny piece of jewelry, or a colorful scarf to set me apart.
• Heading to the event- Leave extra room to get there and expect delays- Try not to be late, that just adds to stress.
• Speaking of stress, de-stress on your way. Play your favorite upbeat happy tunes and put yourself in a positive and energetic mood! Its contagious, you’ll see.

You Made It to The Event:

• Be Present! Put the phone on silent and put it away. Smile and say hello as you move through the crowd.
• When possible, be specific, be impactful. But and I repeat, don’t be robotic. An organic conversation will put everyone at ease. Yourself included.
• I have an arm span rule. If you come within an arm span radius of me, your fair game to say hello and lock eyes with to start a conversation. What questions can you use to get you started?

-Simply asking what they are looking to get out of the event.

-What are they most looking forward to from the day’s agenda?

-What’s your favorite event to attend and why?

-What’s your story? (background or elevator pitch)

• Use active listening. A nod, smile, or agreeing as they speak is helpful.
• Rule of thumb is to listen more than you talk. 
• Again, be present. Eye contact and engaging in that conversation.
• Mingle and Move- Its about quality connecting of course but you do want to try to meet a few people at these events. Its easy to get comfortable and talk to the same person all night but that will defeat your purpose. Perhaps you agree to split up for a bit and promise to introduce new connections through the night if appears to be beneficial.

How to Remove Yourself from a Conversation: 

Be honest. A few phrases that always work:

• “It was great to meet you, but I don’t want to steal anymore of your time”
• “Lovely to speak with you, I won’t monopolize all your time and if I meet anyone I think could be of interest for you I’ll send them over”
• “Wonderful to learn about you/your background. We could probably talk for another hour I’m sure, but I do need to pull away to meet a few more people”
• “I hope you don’t think of me as rude; I need to introduce myself to someone before the nights end”
• “Before I head off, do you have a business card for me?”

*And please don’t over commit or promise to follow up if you can’t or don’t intend to help. If you have a connection for them, follow through. If you don’t plan to meet for coffee or lunch in the new year, its ok. Simply let them know perhaps you can connect in a few months when things settle down. We all know how busy life can be. We can’t meet with everyone… even when we want to.

Organizing from The Day:

If appropriate and if its an option, connect with that person via a professional avenue. Email, LinkedIn, or text. Please do not ask to join their FB, Instagram or Snap Chat.

Collect your cards and jot down an item that will spark your mind weeks down the road. Perhaps it was a vacation spot, where their child is attending college, perhaps it’s the great tie or shoes they were wearing. I find when I note this, I can recall them to memory much faster. Try It!

Follow Up with a personal note via LinkedIn or better yet, a personal good old-fashioned note card!

Thank You and Follow Up:

Set Yourself apart. I’m not saying to spend a lot of money or bribe anyone with expensive gifts but be creative. How? Read on for some ways I have made a lasting impression:

~ Sent an actual shoe with a note “Wanted to get my foot in the door” This can also work with a note card with a picture of a shoe and may be more appropriate.

~ Sent a balloon and when it popped out of the box, the note said “I want to take your sales to new heights” and “I’m not just full of hot air”. Again, a note card with balloons may be appropriate when getting started.

~ I have sent elastics in the note card accompanied by my business card. Note read, “Looking to expand my network with yours” and “Stretching myself & increasing my network with strong leaders like you”.

~ One of my favorites is buying a bunch of seed packets every spring/summer and enclosing in my card. “Looking to Grow my network” and “You planted a seed from our conversation and I’m following up” or “Stopping to smell the roses and re-connect”. You get the picture.

The next time you have the opportunity to go to an event, GO. There's someone else just starting in their journey as well. Hopefully one day we'll meet with a handshake and hello!