HOW TO NAIL A NETWORKING EVENT
TIPS, TRICKS AND TRADE SECRETS TO ENSURE YOU SLAY YOUR NEXT INDUSTRY EVENT
Ahhh networking events. The slightly uncomfortable small talk, the crippling imposter syndrome, walking the fine line between “a bit of Dutch courage” and getting sloshed at the function: we’ve all been there… But it doesn’t have to be like this. Networking is an art, and mastering it can be the difference between a good career and an exceptional one. Aaaand honestly, when you nail these simple points of preparation, it can actually be really fun?!
BEFORE 🕑
With your next event looming, it’s time to get prepared…
Research the Attendees:
With all the vigour of a woman trying to find her Hinge date’s allusive Instagram profile, it’s time to investigate. This is a goldmine of opportunity. Perhaps someone from a company you’re hoping t0 work with will be there? Maybe someone in your dream job role? Or perhaps you’ll meet others at the same level as you and forge career-long connections. The possibilities are endless, so knowing who you specifically want to engage with will give you clarity and direction. If you’re feeling bold, keep an eye out for opportunities to connect before the event - if they post about their attendance on LinkedIn, drop them a comment or DM saying that you’re keen to chat. Getting on their radar ahead of time will improve your chances of securing that connection, and take the pressure off making a cold-approach on the day.
Business Cards:
Yep. We’re not messing around. Treat yourself to some jazzy new business cards and get ready to hand those babies OUT! Not only will it make you look profesh as heck, but it is also the simplest way to ensure someone remembers your name and has access to your contact details. With the best will in the world, trying to remember the names of everyone you meet while networking is a challenge - don’t miss out on a valuable connection because they couldn’t work out the spelling of your surname. If business cards feel a little old school or just a bit much, you could always opt for carrying a QR code card linking directly to your LinkedIn or website.
Prepare your Elevator Pitch:
Elevator jokes would be unnecessary here, so we’ll be taking steps to avoid them…🥁 In all seriousness, a well-oiled elevator pitch will revolutionise your networking experience. Knowing how to succinctly describe yourself, your career and your aspirations will save time when making introductions and avoid any awkward blunders. If you need some guidance on creating an Elevator Pitch, check out this article.
Establish your Aims:
Alongside finding individuals to connect with, it’s a good idea to clarify what you’re aiming to achieve at this event. Are you in search of a new job role, looking to diversify your network, or learn about the industry from senior professionals? Try to identify two or three priorities - this will keep you on track and act as a measure of success (we LOVE a KPI over here).
All the cool kids have business cards…
DURING⚡
The day is here! You’ve had a nervous wee… What now?
Gum & Deodorant:
Bring it. Use it. Offer it around…? You don’t want to get caught short, so pack the essentials!
Wear Something Badass, But Comfy:
A good outfit cures all ills, including nerves and imposter syndrome. Wear something that makes you feel confident and bold, but that still allows for comfort. You don’t want to be distracted by overly-tight jeans or left feeling self-conscious when you’re trying to engage in conversation. You may also be on your feet for prolonged periods, so comfy shoes will be your BFF!
Perform a Ritual:
No candles or chanting required. Whether it’s a few minutes of mindfulness on the journey there, some positive affirmations, or doing a quick power pose in a toilet cubicle, get yourself into the right headspace before you start making conversation. Especially if you find networking daunting, give yourself the necessary pep-talk and mindset boost to get the most out of the experience.
Ask Open Questions:
So, you’ve struck up a conversation - you’re smashing it! Aim to avoid questions that require a yes/no or 0ne-word answer. Nothing kills an interaction more than waiting in painfully awkward silence for someone to think of another question. Instead, stick to questions which allow people to talk more freely. For example, rather than asking “do you enjoy your role?” you could say,
“What does a typical day at your job look like?”
“What are your favourite - or least favourite - things about your job?” or
“What made you choose this career path?”
This will help to keep the conversation flowing and is likely to lead to more genuine connections.
Take Breaks:
Networking requires some serious social battery, even when it’s going well! Don’t be afraid to take breaks throughout the event to decompress. Opportunities won’t disappear if you step outside for 15 mins, and you’ll be far better positioned to navigate the environment when you’re feeling refreshed.
AFTER 🎉
The event might be over, but we’re not *quite* done yet..
Solidify Connections:
Now we need to lock in those new relationships. Sending personalised connection requests on LinkedIn or reaching out directly with a message establishes a line of communication going beyond the event. This will open opportunities for you to connect further in future and benefit from one another’s networks.
Personal Reflections:
Finally, take a moment to reflect on the experience and use this to refine your networking skills. Did some questions land better than others? Could you streamline your elevator pitch? Did the alarming realisation that your top was significantly more see-through than you had thought, leave you distracted throughout? These are all insights which will enable you to hone your toolkit of networking skills.
Networking requires practice, even for the most proficient social butterflies.🦋 Don’t be disheartened by interactions or events which don’t go to plan. Instead, see the flops as opportunities to improve your skills and broaden your potential. If you’re looking for somewhere to flex your networking muscles over the coming weeks, NOWIE have got regular events happening all over the country! For more info, click here. 💪
give it a try🪩
Written by Hatty Cadman on 25/02/2024