Finding Networking Events
Any gathering of people – professionally linked or not – can be turned into a networking opportunity. The event doesn’t need to include “networking" in the title. Just consider it a networking opportunity. In fact, some of your best connections may come from events that were not intentional networking events!
One of the best ways to find networking events is to start with your own network. Find out what events your close connections are attending and ask if you can get a guest invitation. You don’t need to be on stage or in the spotlight — just show up and be in a postition to meet people.
Depending on your job, industry specific events offer a great networking opportunity. Follow industry specific groups, subscribe to their newsletters and stay updated on upcoming events.
Social media allows us to monitor the actions of our friends and influencers and you can often find interesting events through these people. Pay attention to where they are speaking and which events they are attending. You can often gain valuable information about events and opportunities through social media channels.
Virtual events also offer opportunity for networking. Attending a webinar hosted by somebody you want to add to your network makes for an easy introduction after the webinar – a simple note about something you loved or a follow up question will get the ball rolling for you! IAW eChapter sessions allow you to connect with other members through the Zoom chat panel.
If you think about it, any event can be a networking event, keep an eye out for unexpected opportunities for professional networking.
Attending Networking Events
If you are attending a true “networking event,” others in attendance will be there with the expectation to network. There may be planned activities that are aimed at breaking the ice and paving the way for new introductions. There may be an app that helps you to establish a connection that can continue after the event. Other events may be more educational in nature and not aimed specifically at networking, but it is still worthwhile to establish connections at these events. Networking in person should feel natural and authentic, not forced.
When attending any event, keep the following in mind:
Do a little research before the event. If there is an agenda, check out who is speaking and learn more about them. If the attendee list is published you can search for contacts that may connect you to a company or topic that you are interested in.
Have your elevator pitch ready! You never know who you may come in contact with and how they can help you to reach the next level of success. Keep your pitch short and simple but be precise in what you want to say.
In the digital world, business cards may seem outdated but they are actually an important element of being able to establish and follow up with a new connection. Companies like Vistaprint make it easy to create an attention-grabbing business card that people will remember you by. Don’t forget to include all essential information on your card and be sure that it is kept up to date.
Be open to conversations with new contacts – don’t hide in the corner or spend all of your time talking to people you already know. Have some natural conversation starters ready, if that helps: What brings you here? Have you been to one of these events before?
Of course, you will want to make contact with those already in your network but it is also important to branch out and make new contacts. Showing up is important and something to promote. But that’s only step one.