Be That Networking Queen with Simple and Practical Tips

Networking is essential in life and through networking, you build professional relationships.

Through networking, you gain new connections.

Through networking, you learn something new and put yourself in an environment that inspires and encourages you to strive for better.

Networking is important and when you network, know that networking takes place in different settings.

You can network in person through events, conferences or social activities.

You can also network at online events through webinars and workshops.

As you set out to network, there are several things you’ve got to put in place from identifying the right event to attend to knowing how to approach others professionally.

Then, there’s communicating effectively to finally reaching out with a great follow-up to seal the deal.

You can become a networking Queen or King once you learn the simple steps below.

1: First, Identify Events or Groups that Pertain to Your Interests or Career

When you want to start networking, the first thing you should do is identify events or groups with people of like-minds.

When identifying professional groups or associations, you can look up such communities on Google or you can search Eventbrite.

You can also search LinkedIn and even look up groups on Facebook and WhatsApp.

Also, be willing to accept invitations for events that pertain to your interests and goals.

If you can’t find the right events but someone sends you an invitation, don’t ignore it or dismiss it.

2: Next, Have a Positive Attitude & Manage Expectations While Networking

When it comes to networking, it’s good to always have a positive attitude. If you have a negative attitude, it impacts how others perceive you and how likely you are to make valuable connections.

Therefore, even if you are feeling a bit nervous and shy, still make sure you don’t allow it to affect your mood. Bring along some optimism to the event, conference or online discussion you will be participating in.

In addition, manage your expectations. What this means is that you shouldn’t expect too much from one event.

Maybe, you are hoping to get funding for your business idea or maybe you are hoping to get a job opportunity. It’s fine to have these things in mind but don’t expect too much from one event.

For example, even if you don’t get funding for your business idea, a good mindset to have is to tell yourself that you’ve met people of like minds and made new connections.

3: Then, Know How To Introduce Yourself, What’s Your Elevator Pitch?

An elevator pitch is said to be a brief way of introducing yourself, getting across a key point or two, and making a connection with someone.

It’s called an elevator pitch because it takes roughly the amount of time you’d spend riding an elevator with someone.

Whenever I introduce myself to others in a professional setting, I include what I do, state what my interests and passions are and what I hope to do in the future.

If introducing yourself doesn’t come naturally to you, take some time to write about how to describe yourself. Write out what it is you do or would like to do. Write out what your interests and passions are.

My elevator pitch is something like this…

Hi. My name is Isioma Ononye. I’m a Freelance Writer. I like to write about topics on self-improvement, women’s empowerment, mental health and solving issues of gender-based violence.

My interests include reading. I’m an avid reader and a true book lover. Also, music and movies are my favourite things.

In the future, I hope to become an established author. I also hope to be involved in film productions and documentaries that instil hope and insight when it comes to human connection.

After you’ve written your elevator pitch down, practice saying it for a few minutes. You don’t have to memorise it by heart but it helps to know parts of it to be more comfortable with introducing yourself to others.

4: After, Move Around the Room to Make New Connections

When networking at an in-person event, it’s good for you to not only know how to introduce yourself but to also know how to navigate the room.

Don’t just stay in one corner hiding from people but be willing to discuss with several different people.

There’s nothing wrong with striking up a long conversation you enjoy with just one person. That's alright but the point of networking is to meet as many people as possible.

So do try to make more than one connection by speaking to multiple people.

This means that you should have a goal to get up to at least five contacts in one event.

One of the ways you can make new connections is through exchanging business cards, phone numbers, emails or connecting via social media.

5: Also, Remember To Be A Good Listener While Networking

While you move around the room and engage with others in a cool and collected manner, know that networking is not only about you.

Networking is not only about what you hope to gain from the event.

Networking is also about the other person in front of you. It’s about learning from someone new. Learning who they are, what they do and their reasons for attending the event.

When you are a good listener, then you get to know the other person better. Being a good listener also helps in forming connections because everyone will appreciate feeling as though another person values the time spent with them.

Therefore, don’t only focus on how many contacts you’ll make but be present and listen actively while networking.

This is especially important because it impacts the follow-up process.

6: Finally, Follow Up on Connections Made When Networking

Finally, when networking, it is key to know when to follow up on connections made.

I believe it’s best to wait 3-4 days to follow up on the connections made.

Depending on the type of contact information obtained, you can either send an email or a text message. Remind the contact of who you are, how you met and one or two things that were memorable to you about meeting that person.

Keep your message short and concise because people have busy lives and no one wants to be bombarded with a long message about who you are and why you value their connection.

An Example of a Follow-Up Message

Dear Stacey,

It’s Isioma Ononye. It was nice meeting you at the Women’s Networking Event in Chelsea.

I enjoyed our discussion about how non-profit organisations can grow and obtain more fundraising for their initiatives.

Since I’m a novice in leadership in my department, I learned a lot from you.

I would like to keep in touch and possibly, one of these days, grab lunch?

Have a good day!

-Isioma Ononye.

After sending a brief and concise message, then you can continue to maintain the connection by staying in touch via phone calls, messages, social media or even meeting up in person.

Thanks for reading. Share with me in the comments section a fun networking event you went to or what’s your favourite networking tip?

For women based in either Nigeria or the United Kingdom who are interested in career development, networking and mentorship opportunities, do check out: The Brown Skin Girls Network.

If you want more networking tips, especially for my less extroverted peers, do read:

Secrets to Being More Confident in Life for Introverts