Top-10 Networking Tips

Whether it’s your first networking event or your hundredth, you still need to put yourself “in the zone” and come with your A-game, as you only get one chance to make a first impression. While not iron-clad guarantees of success, the following 10 networking tips will put you well on your way to stepping up your game and allowing you to do what you do best.

1.) Know where you’re going – And no, this does not mean buy a GPS device. Your success all starts here, so make sure you’ve done your homework and know the focus of the event and the types of attendees likely. There’s nothing worse than walking blindly into a room of professionals and realizing that you clearly do not belong. Also, it helps ensure you can dress for the occasion.

2.) Bring a buddy – Some people don’t do well talking about themselves or what they do, let alone in a room full of strangers. So, bring a trusted colleague to bolster your confidence and take turns introducing one another. It’ll be easier for both of you to approach strangers and provides instant credibility.

3.) Engage the host – Every networking event has a host or sponsor, and they’re usually someone who is well-known, well-connected, or otherwise valuable to know. Be sure to know ahead of time who is hosting (or who is the keynote speaker), and make a point to introduce yourself when you arrive, and thank them before you leave.

4.) Know what you’re looking for – Not everyone at the event is going to be your ideal prospect, so come prepared with a mental list of the types of industries and/or professionals you’d like to meet, and then go find them.

5.) Look for people you don’t already know – While it is good business to greet colleagues you may already know, or recently met, remember that’s not necessarily the reason you’re there. Stick to your plan of attack by mingling and finding those potential prospects, and utilize the buddy system tactic if/where necessary.

6.) No elevator speech - Don’t tell someone your industry and title, tell them what you do. “I deliver a business’ story to their target audiences and impact their bottom line via strategic public relations and marketing tactics,” is much stronger than, “I own a PR, marketing, and events company.” One sentence, one breath, and one impression they’ll remember for the rest of the event, and beyond.

7.) Focus on them, not on you – Your purpose is to determine whether they’re the type of person you need to be talking to, not bore them with your entire resume. If they want to know, they’ll ask. Engage them. Learn about them. People typically like to talk about themselves and what they’re passionate about.

8.) Set meetings – You’re not at the event to close the deal, merely to pique their curiosity. Establish whether the person is someone that fits your target list, then exchange business cards and set a time to speak further via phone or in person, if possible.

9.) No Free lunch – Though complimentary beverages and appetizers are common and may be tempting, remember you’re there to conduct business. Use discretion when sampling what’s offered and remember that holding a beverage while you work the room helps you seem more natural, and less like a predator. Regular networkers quickly recognize the vultures among them.

10.) Smile – If you look as though you’re enjoying yourself, you’ll seem more approachable. If it helps, view the networking experience as a game and challenge yourself to hit it out of the park.

Most of all, just have fun and act naturally.