After about a year in the PR world, I am beginning to realize the importance of networking. Social media is a great way to connect, but the face-to-face experience a real networking event provides is tough to beat. In many of today’s top careers, networking is an important way to make connections and discover new business leads. However, if you are like me and hate people… then I have some tips to help you get the most out of your next networking event because your time is valuable! (I’m kidding about hating people, kind of 😉 )
How to Rock a Networking Event (When You Kinda Hate People)
First, find the best networking event for your needs. You can discover new events using sites like Eventbrite or even by searching Facebook events in your area. If you are involved with a group, check out their site or give them a call to see if they have any networking opportunities coming up.
Before signing up for an event, see who is going to be there. Most places will list the guests who have already committed to attend. You should also research the speakers or chairs of the group. That way, you can see if these are people you want to make connections with and if this event will be worth your time. You can take this one step further by contacting the organizer. Offer to help or volunteer as a way to get even more involved while also getting better access to the people you are looking to connect with.
Once you know who you want to meet at the event, a little extra research is worth your while. Do a quick google search to learn about their recent features and career milestones. Find them on social media and see what their interests are. This way, you will have something meaningful to add to the conversation when you meet.
On the day of the event, be sure to arrive early. This is a great way to get some face time with the speakers or big players before it gets crowded. Since many speakers have a packed schedule, this is a great time to introduce yourself, since they will get swarmed once they are finished or head right out. Don’t interrupt them if they appear to be prepping for their speech, but if they are just hanging around, make your move and introduce yourself!
In the days after your networking event, be sure to follow up with the people you met. Send a nice email and follow them on Linkedin. (if you leave a recommendation while you are there, then that is a bonus!) If it is someone you can see yourself making a business connection with, invite them to lunch or out for coffee. It is good to schedule the meeting while you are still fresh in their minds!
Networking can be tedious, but it is also a great way to make new contacts and even some new friends! With a little effort beforehand, you can make the most out of every networking event and make sure it is time well spent. If you go in prepared you will feel way less awkward, even if you are anti-social, like me. 😉
LOL at the “when you kind of hate people comment”! Networking is definitely tough if you aren’t super outgoing. I wouldn’t consider myself shy but still have a hard time introducing myself to people. Small talk is the worst! But these tips are great – thanks for sharing!!
I love how so very blunt you are about not liking people, lol. That’s great! Networking is difficult online so face to face would be tough but it’s a lot better because you can tell if someone isn’t digging what you have to say vs. online when you can’t really get a feel for what they are truly saying. These are great tips!
Love this! I’m in the same boat, so this list will definitely come in handy. Have you read ‘Captivate’ by Vanessa Van Edwards? She has a great section on networking that you might enjoy!
Networking events are my worst nightmare – I always feel so awkward! Arriving early has definitely helped me in the past!
Francesca | Gluten Free Horizons
I feel the same too about networking events,i hope arriving early will help next time.
Networking events are definitely not my thing, and I don’t think there’s a tip in the world that will change that for me. (Making small talk is the absolute worst!) However, sometimes you’ve gotta do what you’ve gotta do, and you’ve shared some great tips for getting through it.
Ah! The networking life. I can so relate to this!
I’m not super outgoing but 6 years ago my mom gave a great Christmas present: A ticket to my first networking event! After the hype was over I realized that I was actually going to have to approach people and talk to them (ugh!) Then my mom told me something I’ll never forget: “Get your act together! I spent a lot of money on your trip for you to stay locked in your room without speaking to anyone” I made longlife friends in that conferece. I have a few tips to add:
If there are talks involved, research what they’ll be about and have some great questions ready! You’ll get good attention when you do that!
If there is an event badge, wear it everywhere! Most of the people I meet at events are at the surrounding are since the event site is usually crowded!
I love your article, thanks for sharing!
Tere
Thank you for all the tips on how to rock a networking event. I struggle with networking and I would love to get better at it. I really like your tip about making sure to follow up with people you meet and send them a nice email or follow them on Linkedin. I will have to give that a try.
I wouldn’t say I hate people in general, I just have trouble with large masses of them haha I can deal with one at a time. Networking events are not easy for me, so these tips were pretty cool ^^