Quick Tips & Tricks on Networking

Networking begins the second you walk into a room. Your attitude is the single most important factor in making your presence known among strangers…your soon to be professional connections. Coming from someone who has had her fair share of networking events, here are some tips and tricks on mastering the art!

 1. Come Prepared

You’ve heard the spiel - memorize your elevator pitch! Truth is, this really does come in handy when you’re attending a network event. Why? Because time is precious and people want to know: your name, who you are (functional role), what you do, and what you’re looking for very quickly. Be careful not to sound too “sales-y” - act natural, as if you’re talking with a good friend. This may seem nerve-racking to some, but remember that practice makes perfect! Rehearse your elevator pitch with your friends and family or join forces with a recruiter to get their feedback, too. 

 2. How To Introduce Yourself (No Need To Feel Shy)

The trick to networking is being comfortable with the uncomfortable. If it helps, keep in mind and remember that everyone who is in the same room as you in that moment is striving to achieve the same goal: to make new connections! There is absolutely no reason to feel shy or awkward because you’re all there for the same reason. Truthfully, this fact alone has helped me walk into a room with full confidence. Scan the room, look for people in the room who either have an opening in their circle or who may be standing near tables (or better yet, the food table!) and just walk over and introduce yourself. If it helps, try to find a common denominator between yourself and the group/person you’re looking to network with. If you’re both wearing the same colored shirt, comment on it. If you’re both reaching for the same type of food, comment on it. This “link” will help ease tension and lead to a more inviting conversation. 

 3. Pay Attention To Your Body Language 

Words are powerful. Body language can often times be more powerful. If you’re standing in a room with your arms crossed or if you’re standing with your feet pointed into a different direction while you’re speaking, the people with whom you’re trying to network with will most likely not want to speak with you. Your posture will suggest that you are uninterested, nervous, or maybe even feeling forced to talk or be present at the event. Relax your shoulders, shake hands, smile, and be attentive to the other person. People often mirror each other during conversations so if you’re displaying confidence and a positive vibe, there is a very high chance that your fellow networking friend will also feel and display confidence and a positive vibe. 

 4. Have Fun With It!

The most important thing to remember at a networking event is to have fun. These events are designed to foster a comfortable environment in which strangers feel welcomed to gather into a room, get to know each other, learn from one another, and grow together. You never know where the conversation will lead. The person you meet at a networking event may become your next boss, your next coworker, your next business partner, your next friend, your next employee, or your next intern. The list of “your next…” is endless. Approach every conversation with an open mind and watch how partnerships (often time, long-lasting partnerships) unfold after expanding your network!