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Tips for Attending Networking Functions
Everyday
there are an unlimited number of networking breakfasts, lunches,
dinners, seminars, workshops you can go to. Your budget probably
determines how many of these you can afford to attend. More often
than not, your positive mindset determines the outcomes in attending
these functions.
Many
people arrive at these events stressed, angry, basically not wanting
to be there. They do themselves a disservice being there, because
all they will attract is negative people like themselves. They
are guaranteed to have a miserable time. So how can you maximise
these opportunities?
Here
are ten simple tips:
1.
Decide why you want to attend.
What
do you want to get out of this event? Is there a specific person
you want to meet? Are you looking for a certain service provider?
Or are you simply wanting to network with others in your industry,
to share the highs and lows and keep up to date with what is happening
in the marketplace? The clearer you are on why you are going,
the more chance you will have of achieving your objective.
2.
Decide on the logistics.
Do
I have to block out time in my diary the hour before the function
starts, to arrive on time? Will others you know be going? What
is the dress code? Will you need to bring a change of clothes
to work on the day?
3.
Take plenty of business cards.
A
business card that clearly states your name, what you do and your
contact details is imperative for effective networking.
In
Singapore, business cards are called 'name cards' and it is said
your card represent a summary of you. Always treat other people's
business cards with respect. Give your business card to the person
you are meeting as part of your introduction, "Hi, I'm Robyn Henderson,
I'm a global networking specialist." That's as much as you should
say about yourself, unless they ask.
4.
Have quality conversations
Have
quality conversations rather than quantity. If there are fifty
people at the event, don't expect to speak to all fifty. Be content
with a quality conversation with five to seven people, who the
next day will look at your card and remember you and what you
spoke about. And more importantly remember you the next time they
see you.
The
best networkers are the best listeners. Anyone will speak to you
for ten minutes if you are not speaking about yourself.
5.
Take along a few ice-breakers
If
you are a little nervous about what to talk about, listen to the
latest news or talk back radio on your way to the event, so that
you have a couple of interesting current topics to talk about.
The first 60 seconds of any conversation with a complete stranger
is the hardest. If you have a question prepared (e.g. what was
the highlight of your day/weekend) the conversation will flow.
6.
Don't fear pregnant pauses.
If
there is a pause in the conversation, that's okay. Don't feel
that you have to jump in and fill the gaps with trivia.
7.
Avoid talking about work.
Eighty
per cent of the population don't get recognition on the job and
don't want to speak about their job at all.
Most
people become very animated when they speak about their interests
outside of work. Often, by revealing a little about yourself,
people feel more comfortable sharing their experiences.
8.
Always make eye contact.
Always
make eye contact when you are speaking to someone. Looking over
their shoulder for someone better to speak to is not only insulting
but very foolish. You never know who knows the person you are
speaking to.
Take
the focus off you, listen more than you talk and you will be surprised
at the results.
9.
Act like the host.
When
you sit down with a table of strangers, start the ball rolling
by suggesting that you all introduce yourself-your name, the work
you do, why you have come to the event. On an average table of
ten, three people may think you are pushy (that's okay), while
the other six people will be relieved that you had the initiative
to make it happen.
10.
Finally-have fun.
Great
networkers have a great time. They know that by having quality
conversations with the people they meet and keeping in touch,
following up, doing the things they say they will do, they will
build trust. The by product of trust is - constantly build a strong
and effective network.
Remember,
every best friend was a perfect stranger at one time! |
