Whether you’re a college student or a well established professional, attending networking functions is a great way to meet new people and maybe even land a new job. Networking is essentially centered around establishing and developing, beneficial relationships. Like any relationship, it is important to develop bonds that foster trust, encouragement and consideration.
Here’s some tips to make the most of your next networking session:
- Show interest: People are more receptive and willing to engage if you show an honest interest in that person or group first. Avoid leading by talking about yourself or interests only. Worst case, offer someone a genuine compliment. It wouldn’t be the first time someone has made life long contacts by complimenting on a great pair of shoes!
- Ask informed questions: Ask things that will bring about relevant and intelligent conversation. With a bit of luck, you’re one step closer to starting an organic conversation.
- Know the audience: Before attending an event, understand who will be in attendance. If a guest list is published, do some research on who will be there. If not, at least learn a bit about who is hosting the event. For example, if you’re attending a networking session hosted by the NY Bar Association. What are some of their initiatives? Who are the chair people? What other events have they hosted?
- Be confident: When attending an event be sure in who you are without appearing as unapproachable. This means, introduce yourself with a firm handshake, eye contact, and a smile. Don’t expect people to know who you are or what you do, even if you’re well known within the group your are engaging with.
- Avoid being pushy: If you have a clear agenda or goal in mind, refrain from leading every discussion with that objective. Take the time to show interest in others before you push your on objectives. While competitive networkers might take advantage of every opportunity out there with little reasoning other than the need to be seen and heard, legitimate professional networkers have specific purpose and are more skillful and suitable in their approaches.
- Exchange contact info: It’s not the best ideal to attempt having a super profound interaction with every person you first meet. At times, it may be more appropriate to exchange contact info after a few minutes of discussion and then follow-up with a friendly email, LinkedIn message, or phone call. The following up part is essential. It does not really matter how you follow up – just as long as you do! Also, even if you’re a college student, it’s worth getting a deck of sleek looking business cards printed with your name, email, phone number, and university name.
Nonetheless, networking can be stressful or anxiety provoking for some. Sometimes, you may not know anyone in the room, be unsure on how to meet a specific individual to talk about a job opportunity, or simply have never attended a networking event before and don’t know how to approach it. Just remember, networking is a very natural practice across various industries whether it’s entitled ‘networking event’ or otherwise.
Happy mingling!
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