Networking Events 101— The Key To Make Them Work Harder*

Networking events can evoke a mix of excitement and anxiety for many of us. While the promise of connecting with like-minded professionals and potential opportunities is enticing, the prospect of striking up conversations with strangers can be daunting. It’s not uncommon to feel a wave of apprehension before stepping into a room filled with unfamiliar faces. Truth be told, if you’re an introvert, you may feel like you can never benefit from networking events. 

But in reality, successful networking is not just about having an extroverted personality. It is about going in with the right approach. Networking events can become invaluable tools for personal and professional growth for everyone, and that includes even someone who feels shy at the prospect of meeting a lot of people. What does it take to turn a networking event into a successful experience? 

Hint: It’s got nothing to do with your personality. Sure, having the right personality for meeting people helps, but it doesn’t make networking successful just because you are outgoing. So, what are the essential must-have and must-do techniques that can turn any networking event into a positive experience? 

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Go prepared

Before stepping foot into a networking event, take some time to do your homework. So, it’s worth trying to familiarise yourself with the purpose of the event, the type of attendees you can expect, and any scheduled activities or speakers. This preliminary research will help you feel more confident and informed once you’re there.

Where do you start? Start by checking the event’s website or social media pages for details on the agenda, guest list, and sponsors. You can look for any familiar names or companies that you’d like to connect with during the event. The better you understand the context of the gathering, the easier it’ll be to find conversation starters and topics to discuss with fellow attendees.

Additionally, consider researching the backgrounds of key individuals who may be present, such as speakers or panelists. All these can be infinitely useful once you’re at the event. 

Don’t go planning to sell

One of the biggest mistakes people make at networking events is approaching them with a sales-centric mindset. While it’s natural to want to promote your products or services, ultimately this is going to be a major turn-off for other attendees.

Networking is all about building relationships, not making immediate sales. When you focus solely on selling, you miss out on the opportunity to genuinely connect with others and understand their needs and interests.

Instead, you want to shift your mindset towards building trust and rapport with others. This is all about taking the time to listen and learn about their challenges, goals, and aspirations. You are here to foster authentic connections. There is no authenticity if you approach everyone with a sales pitch. So, leave the sales brain at the door and embrace the true essence of networking: building meaningful connections.

You may need to keep access to work files

In today’s hyper-connected world, you never know when a work-related opportunity might present itself, even at a networking event. That’s why it’s essential to ensure you can access your work emails and files, even if you’re away from your office desk. Handle it now rather than waiting until later!

Before heading to a networking event, double-check that you have access to your work email account on your smartphone or tablet. Another thing to bear in mind is cyber security. Even if the organiser plans for free wifi for everyone, you may want to add a VPN to keep your files safe—here’s how to use a VPN on iPhone. This will allow you to respond promptly and safely to any inquiries or requests that come your way during the event. 

Additionally, consider syncing important work-related files to a cloud storage service like Google Drive or Dropbox, so you can easily access them from any device with an internet connection.

Documenting the event online

Social media is a powerful tool for extending the reach of networking beyond the confines of the event venue. Learning how to effectively document the event on platforms like Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube can significantly enhance your networking efforts.

How do you capture engaging photos and videos that highlight key moments of the event, such as insightful presentations, lively discussions, or memorable encounters with fellow attendees? Another important tip to remember when posting online: use relevant hashtags and tag the event organisers or speakers to increase visibility and engagement.

Sharing your event mementos online serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it allows you to showcase your active involvement in industry events, positioning yourself as a knowledgeable and engaged professional within your field. Additionally, it provides an opportunity to connect with other attendees who may have missed the event or to reconnect with those you met during the event, thus prolonging the networking experience beyond the event itself.

Hopefully, these few tips can help you prepare for your next networking event.