Have you often wondered, how you can improve your people skills so you don’t have to feel socially awkward the next time you’re at a networking event? Then read along, my friend.
After more than a decade of navigating the professional world, I can attest that networking is an important endeavor for any individual.
It can help you land your dream job or business and improve your relationships with others.
From my experience, networking has helped me reach places, literally and figuratively, that I didn’t think was even possible. And it doesn’t stop there.
Because I’m always striving to move up in my career.
If you’re like me, exploring these lessons can be beneficial in achieving your career goals.
So let’s dive into the practical tips and tricks for transforming networking experiences into shining opportunities.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
→ Introduction
→ Be Interested to Network
→ Effective Business Networking: Preparation is Key
→ How to Nail First Impressions at a Networking Event
→ Networking is Essential to Success
Be Interested to Network
First, let me just preface this by saying that I’m glad you’re reading this article.
Because however way you found it, you already have a leg-up.
The first step to finding success in business networking is simple, and that is being intentional about it. By reading more about how to network effectively, you’re solidifying that intent, and you’re only going to get better from here on.
Now I’m sure you’re wondering: “How can I start growing my network?”
Networking is the easiest way to meet someone, one only needs to know where to look and which one is worth their resources.
There are many avenues to meet new people, which usually I would categorize in two ways—IN-PERSON and VIRTUAL.
Business networking in such locations and occasions takes an art form, in such that your goal is to not meet as many people as possible.
Instead, the focus must be on QUALITY.
You may meet with a dozen people one evening and even get to remember their names, but without a meaningful connection that took place, you might be back to square one and end up with wasted time and missed opportunities.
Effective Business Networking: Preparation is Key
In the professional setting, networking provides an avenue for an individual to meet people who can add value to their career or business, in one way or another. It might be through increased knowledge or opportunities to win new business or climb the corporate ladder.
That said, even the most expert networkers know that successful networking can only happen to those who prepare for it. They know first-hand that how you show up defines your success.
Therefore, what you want is to build the mindset that you could be meeting important contacts randomly so it’s important to appear presentable at all times. In the case where you’re attending a networking or social event, you need to double down on presence.
Having a system in place can help, and here are some tips you can adopt:
Step #1: Dress well
When you’re out meeting other people, you need to be conscious of how others may perceive you.
Do you look polished and professional or do you look like you just woke up out of bed?
People are naturally visual creatures and first impressions help them act and respond to the other person accordingly. If you look sloppy or out-of-place, it confuses others. They think to themselves, ‘What’s the deal with this person?’
Being well-dressed, on the other hand, has plenty of advantages.
First, it gives a good first impression on others. Instead of questioning your presence, their curiosity might be peaked, and hence are looking forward to getting to know more about you.
In addition, looking well-dressed helps boost your self-esteem. According to research, highly-confident people achieve much more in life vs. their peers who live in self-doubt.
RELATED: Mistakes Professionals Make with their Business Attire
Step #2: Be on time
Now that you (and your shoes) are looking polished, it’s time to make sure you arrive.
If you’re attending a business event or social party, always strive to be punctual.
Being on time is a form of self-respect. It also shows modesty to others that you don’t think you’re above others, as if your time is more important than theirs.
Say if you have an event where the location is unfamiliar to you, check Google Maps or Waze for at least a day or two before to have an idea of the average time it takes to reach the destination from your point of origin.
You can also use your digital calendars to block the time off your schedule. So that on the day of the event itself, you can create an alert or reminder signaling it’s time for you to get ready so you avoid cramming at the last minute.
Step #3: Have something substantial to say
When you’re all polished and ‘arrived’, the next focus is on how to shine.
Being in a networking event means you’re bound to meet people of different backgrounds (i.e. age, ethnicity, religion) and personalities.
Therefore, you need to arm yourself with relevant knowledge, not to talk incessantly about them, but rather to be able to read the room and understand others better.
On the hours or drive leading to the event, catch up on current affairs and world news, or read about the trends related to your industry.
If you don’t yet belong in an industry, then you can try reading about insights in other areas you are passionate about and that others might find value in. Some recommended media outlets are:
- Business (Forbes, CNBC)
- Property/Finance (Business Insider)
- Technology (TechCrunch)
- Food & Drink (Food Dive)
- Fashion (Vogue)
- Sports (Sports Illustrated)
- Entertainment (Variety)
If you’re going to be talking about the latest hot topic, make sure to get your information from reputable sources. This makes you sound sure about yourself which puts you in a good light.
As long as possible, refrain from talking about taboo topics (religion, health, sex), especially on a first meeting. Wait until you’re more familiar with other people before you ask them about more personal details.
Please do not, I repeat, DO NOT, spread false information or engage in gossip when you’re networking.
If you have nothing nice to say, don’t say anything at all.
Refined people are mindful of the things they say. It’s because they know that once something has been said, it’s hard to take it back.
And if they’re in the wrong, the repercussions may cost them a job, or worse their reputation.
So, think before you speak. And remember this rule of thumb: If you have nothing nice to say, don’t say anything at all.
Step #4: Be proactive
Now to truly shine during any business networking opportunity, you must be proactive, not passive.
No matter how much you prepare, there has to be some room for spontaneity.
For instance, you arrive at a dinner event and you notice the host isn’t in yet.
Are you going to sit in a corner, lurking until the rest of the group arrives?
Or, are you going to approach the other early birds to say hello and introduce yourself?
The answer should be the latter.
You came to network so you have to be interested in getting to know people, even if that means making the first move. Remember, they are in the room probably with the same intent as you, and if you took action, then there’s a good chance they will respect and reciprocate it too.
While being in a room full of strangers can be intimidating for some, without overcoming such a challenge, there is no growth.
And if there’s anything one should fear greatest in life, it’s not other human beings, but instead, it’s complacency.
So, grab the opportunity to strike up and practice a conversation, while carrying a positive and confident disposition. You’ll never know when a simple hello or follow-up can change your life’s trajectory and bring you immense success over the years.
How to Nail Great First Impressions at a Networking Event
Creating great first impressions can be easily achieved during networking because, unlike virtual channels, your physical presence can say a lot about you.
But other than the typical ways anyone attempts to make good first impressions, there are ways truly charismatic people conduct themselves when networking that can’t help but make others admire and respect them.
Below are some impactful tips and make sure to watch the video examples that demonstrate the points further:
#1 – Have an open body language
Take account of your body posture, movements, and subtle gestures. Having an open posture signals friendliness, openness, and willingness.
If you’re not already practicing standing with your backs straight, sitting upright, and having an open stance, then this is your reminder to do so.
When you’re out at a networking event, be mindful of your body language. Someone with good verbal and non-verbal communication stands out when they can clearly and effectively exchange ideas.
RELATED: Body Language Tips to Look Your Best During Business Meetings
#2 – Cast a spotlight on others
Contrary to what many might think, effective business networking is not so much about what you do, it’s about you listening and finding as much about as WHAT OTHERS DO.
And then figuring out how you can serve.
People generally love to talk about themselves, and if you give them the space to do so, then they too will love like you.
Now, how exactly can do you this and purposely make others feel important? Well, you need to be a master at active listening.
Being an active listener is a power skill that anyone looking to advance in their career must have. Listening lets you build better relationships with people, and it can help you learn new things that might relate to your field.
When you make it a habit to listen more than you talk, you strengthen your interpersonal relationships because you’re demonstrating that you care about the other person’s opinion you have with others.
And one to two great things can come out of it. People feel good around you, and they reciprocate and start telling others about you. Now you’re in the spotlight, but rather one that you cast by yourself, the light is bigger and brighter cast by others who were impacted by you.
TRICK: Active listening has three aspects: cognitive, emotional, and behavioral. The key is to practice being an active listener, not just in networking events, but in life in general.
#3 – Form an opinion
Want others to remember you? Then when it’s your turn to speak, speak up.
When you’re knowledgeable and experienced about a broad range of topics and can contribute something of value to the conversation, then you can pique people’s interest which might prompt them to get to know you more.
However, it’s one thing to second the motion of what was being said by the majority to show your participation. It’s another to go with your guts and share a different, strong opinion.
By having a smart, contrarian opinion, you’re showing assertiveness and you automatically make your presence felt by others. And for aspiring leaders, this can be beneficial and can earn them loyal supporters.
Charismatic people know that to influence others, you need to show you’re a person of value and integrity. When you’re not afraid to stand your ground, even as a minority, others take notice.
And when they notice you, then they remember you.
TRICK: Don’t fake it. Speak of topics and interests you’re truly passionate about to avoid coming off as disingenuous.
#4 – Remember people’s names
It’s not uncommon for average people to forget names within seconds of hearing them.
But rather than resting on this pattern, you need to care more about remembering the names of people you just met. When one repeatedly hears their name, it establishes trust as the person who calls them by it is demonstrating attentiveness and validation.
So if you want others to be impressed by you and make them acknowledge and believe in your ideas, make it your motivation to remember people’s names.
TRICK: Do you own a smartphone? Use it. Write down people’s names on your contacts or notes, and include some anecdotes or personal details they shared during your meeting. Take notes discretely while in the event, or do it right after the event so the information is still fresh on your mind.
#5 – Follow up
Following up with a new contact can be done simply but effectively.
But other than knowing how to do it, first you need to know why. Knowing the art and science of follow-up will do the following:
- Validates the initial connection
- Builds better relationships
- Separates you from the rest of the pack
- Potential new business or referrals
As mentioned in the beginning, being intentional when networking or meeting someone helps you show up better and add value.
Therefore, what’s the use of meeting someone if you can’t build up the connection?
When you take part in a networking event, it will be naturally known to you if the connections have been meaningful or not. Usually, this comes from a repeat invitation, a follow-up call, or an in-person catchup.
Don’t rest on your laurels. Remember that being proactive is key to successful business networking. Therefore, you need to be consistent with your follow-up and find out how you can impart value to other people.
TRICK: Send a text message or email to the other person right after meeting them but not too long after. It’s best to make initial contact within 24 hours because people may be at various meetings and events. They might find it difficult to remember someone they met a couple of weeks or months ago.
Networking is Essential to Success
You have probably been invited to some business networking event, and are wondering how to conduct yourself positively. Or perhaps you’re someone who took part in one but didn’t bother to put some intent behind it, and just went for the sake of it.
Well, we hope these tips have somehow made some great points on why you have to improve your networking skills. Being a fly on the wall doesn’t leave lasting impressions when networking with others.
The bottom line is, that effective business networking is essential to win meaningful connections that can turn into potential new business.
To differentiate yourself from other people trying to climb their way to the top, you must elevate how you PRESENT yourself in every aspect of your professional life.
When networking, remember to care more about others than you care about yourself. This gift of light is the gift that keeps on giving, as the light comes back to you and paves the way for other people and opportunities to come into your life.
What do you like and dislike when it comes to business networking? Let us know below!
