Networking Tips

Networking is a necessary approach to making connections and building relationships in your business or career. It can be a bit intimidating if you’ve never done it before. One of the keys to your success is to do some advanced preparation. Here are some tips I teach in my business etiquette courses that will help give you more confidence as you walk into that room to network.

Establish a Goal

Have a goal in mind as to what you want to achieve at the event.

• Are you looking for a specific connection? Maybe you need an insurance person or graphic designer. A networking event is the perfect place to get a referral.
• Are you trying to connect with a specific person at the event? As you talk with people you can find out if they know that person and ask for an introduction.
• Are you trying to get to know people and establish relationships? Set a goal of how many people you want to connect with at the event.

Establish your goal BEFORE the event and you will walk in to the room with a clear purpose in mind. This purpose will give you the confidence to overcome any nervousness.

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Nametags

Wear your name tag to a networking event. It will be much easier for people to remember your name, especially if they are a visual person. If you don’t have a nametag, many events provide name tags at the check in table. If you plan to be networking often, invest in a name tag.

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Place your nametag on your right side. The reason for this is when you extend your right hand to greet someone their eyes will be drawn up to your nametag. Ideally, this will help them remember your name as you introduce yourself. Especially if it’s a noisy room.

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Where to Begin

Walking up to a group of people you don’t know can be intimidating. As you look across the room observe the body language of people. Look at the way they are standing. Do they appear to be open to someone joining their group? Or are they standing with their bodies facing one another and give the appearance that they do not want someone joining their group. Instead of approaching the “closed” group to introduce yourself, look for a group that has their bodies positioned at a slight angle where they appear “open” to someone coming up and joining them.

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Conversation Starters

Have some conversation starters in mind before you go to the event. I know this may sound silly, but this preparation will give you confidence. As you approach the group, have those conversation starters and questions ready to go. Here are some examples:

• Walk up and say “Hello, I’m Suzy Lins, how are you?”
• “Is this your first time to one of these networking events?”
• “How do you know the host?”
• “What line of work are you in?”

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From there the conversation should start to flow. See my blog post for more information about Conversation Skills to use at networking events.

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Business Cards

Always bring your business cards to a networking event. Carry them in a business card holder to prevent them from smudging or creasing. You can get reasonably priced holders on Amazon in a variety of colors. For an extra touch, get a holder that matches your brand colors.

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Keep your business card holder in an easily accessible place so you don’t have to fumble to get your card out. Wait for someone to ask you for your card rather than walking around the room handing out your card to everyone you meet. Also, asking for someone’s card is a great way to end a conversation. See below for more tips on ending a conversation.

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When handing someone your business card, have it face up with the words facing them. When someone gives you their card, look at it, ask any questions about it and then put it away carefull, treating it with respect. Customs around business cards vary from country to country so brush up on any protocol before traveling abroad.

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Ending A Conversation

Ending a conversation at a networking event can be a little awkward at first. Again, this is where the preparation comes in. Have some go-to phrases to help you end the conversation. Remember, you, and the other person are there to network. You don’t want to monopolize someone’s time plus you want to meet the goal you established. Here are some examples of phrases for ending a conversation:

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• “It’s been nice meeting you”
• “I’ve enjoyed our conversation; I’m going to refresh my drink”
• “I’m going to say Hello to the host”
• “I’m glad we were able to connect. May I get your card?”

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Develop your own phrases that make sense for you as well as the situation and have them at the back of your mind ready to go when needed.

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The best way to get better and more comfortable at networking is to just do it!