Networking does not come naturally to everyone.
The idea of walking into a room full of people unfamiliar to you, breaking into a group of people talking or striking up a conversation with someone you don’t know is awkward and uncomfortable.
We get it and here are some tips to try and make the process easier for you.
Before going, take a minute to think about the following:
- What is your objective for going? What do you hope to achieve?
- Have a clear vision of WHO and WHAT you want to be known for.
- Have a clear and concise ‘elevator’ pitch prepared and PRACTICE it. No rambling….
- Know who it is you want to work with/ be part of your network aswell as who you DON’T want to work with/ be part of your network.
Having these things clear in your mind will help make the process easier for you.
Networking is about giving and taking….. for a number of reasons.
Whilst you want to tell everyone about what you do, you also want to get to know other people and what they do. This helps you with point #4 above.
Work on the 3 on 3 off rule.
For those who find it nerve raking starting up a conversation, here’s a little tip.
Most people LOVE talking about themselves…. Start there.
Ask them a question (given you are both at a networking event – you already have something in common, use it). Some ice-breaker questions to start with:
- What do you specialise in?
- Where is your business based.
- Do you know many people here (this is a good one to know for later introductions)
Get the conversation going and once they answer the first question, ask another one based on what they just told you. They answer again and you ask one more question based on that response.
NOW – if this person is just as interested in getting to know you, they will ask YOU a question. If they don’t – it is time to move on. You DO NOT want to get stuck talking in a one way conversation.
If you are really uncomfortable – ask the event organiser to do an introduction to someone for you. That is what they are there for!
For someone you really enjoyed chatting to and getting to know, as well as getting all of their details – here is one parting tip. Remember one thing they said during your encounter (write it in your phone notes if you don’t have a good memory).
Then the next time you see them, ask them a follow up question about it. This will endear you to them as it shows your interest and that you remembered them.
