7 Powerful Tips to Effective Networking

Not everyone enjoys attending networking events for a number of reasons. However, it is an essential skill for the aspiring professional or entrepreneur, which can be developed and honed to perfection. Networking can be an art form or a minefield, whichever way you look at it. For some people that I have coached, developing networking skills has proved to be a challenge for them. Here are 7 tried and tested top tips that I have learnt along my own networking journey, and what others have shared on their journey….

1. Preparation

So you have been invited to a networking meeting and you don’t know who else will be there. I know this may sound silly, but make sure you are clear in your own mind about the reasons why you are attending the event. Be strategic, what do you want to get from the event ? Arrive early and check in. If you are handed a badge detailing who you are, wear it. This will help yourself and others to establish any commonalities between yourselves and it may initiate some conversation. If there is a register of attendees take a look. It may well be that there are others there in the same profession as yourself or from the same region. However, there isn’t much benefit in taking time out to attend an event and conversing with the same people in your industry or people that you know and work with. Don’t talk shop! Developing new networking links with people outside of your organisation can prove to be very effective in discussing shared commonalities and getting back some useful perspectives that you may not have considered.

2. The introverts tip to networking

For the introvert, making an early arrival will provide you with an opportunity to look around the venue and meet other early arrivals. Arriving early could help to make some early connections without feeling overwhelmed. If you spot a key note speaker alone before the event starts, consider taking the opportunity to introduce yourself and tell them why you are here. Susan Cain in TED Talks highlights the introvert and the quiet revolution of the introverts. She goes on to say that the quiet introvert can maximise their talent in quiet spaces. Hear her talk below.. …

 

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3. Professionalism

You have one chance to make a good impression and so dress appropriately for the event. If it is a corporate event and you are representing your company, it goes without saying corporate attire will be de rigueur. If your event is with a particular sector of the community or another sector other than your own, and you are not required to wear a corporate uniform, consider reflecting a non corporate attire. Dressing appropriately to any event that you are attending will help you to feel relaxed, comfortable, and in turn, make you more approachable. Unless the event is of a certain theme, no one wants to approach someone who looks flustered, dishevelled, and generally looking out of place.

4. Have an elevator pitch

Very simply, an elevator pitch is a very short version of what you do for a living. If you are at a networking event, try including in your pitch what your reasons are for attending the event. Keep it brief. In Forbes Woman Jody Coughlin provides some useful tips and How to Develop an Elevator Pitch.

5. Listen, question, observe, SMILE!

If all else fails SMILE! Make sure that you are approachable. It is not imperative that you are speaking to someone all of the time. Take time out to observe and develop your listening skills, ask questions where appropriate, and encourage others to speak.

Taking some time out during the event will allow you to reflect and make good notes. You are still being proactive in making notes, and will be in a position to provide a summary of the day’s event using the notes that you have captured on the day.

6. Follow up new contacts

If you have established new contacts from the event and you have exchanged business cards, Facebook, Twitter or telephone numbers, always, always, always follow it up within 5 days. Don’t spam them by using a global email with a hard sell, it could be the kiss of death. No one likes spam. Nurture your new contact.

7. Get involved!

And lastly, get involved and enjoy the day! Often networking events can have sub groups that you can choose to participate in. This is an excellent opportunity to connect with a smaller group of people. If there is a subject that you know something about, offer to take a lead and get involved in the discussion. Be present.

Those are my top tips. Do you have any networking tips that you would like to share?

 

 

Beverley Powell is a Leadership Associate: Organisational development, Inclusion, Coach and Mentor, UK certified Life Coach and Educator, and nationally recognised by the Health Service Journal (HSJ) 2014 as a BME Pioneer for her work around strategic inclusion within the National Health Service (NHS). You can see more about Beverley’s work on her website and you can also follow her on Twitter – @UKCoachLeader

Beverley hosts a region wide networking event for a group of NHS staff. Watch RADAR Networking for Success: Overview