Networking is a great way to meet your future mentor, find your next internship, learn about the industry you are in, or simply enough, make some connections. But, if done wrong, yes there is a wrong and a right way, networking can get you nowhere with an expensive dinner and a couple of hours missing from your life. But if done right, it can truly add value to your career and yourself as a professional. So check out these quick an easy ways to prepare and conquer your next networking event.
First, you want to find events that will gather professionals of the same industry you are in. So don’t go network at the Historians Happy Hour if graphic design is what you are in to. With that said, it is good to branch out to different events every once in a while. Don’t stick to the same luncheon or happy hour every single month — look for different events. Remember, there’s plenty of fish out there. You want to try and gather as many different ones as you can to have an interesting and bigger network. (Of professionals that is, not fish!)
Once you’ve narrowed down the events you want to go to, do some research. (Oh yes, that word will never go away!) But seriously, you can never know enough — especially when you are going to networking events. The more you know, the more conversations you will be able to start and the more you will learn. Find some information about the speaker, the topic of the event, and if you are able to see who is attending, Google the attendees, too. What you learn about these professionals during your research will allow you to show them how interested you are in them, that you are prepared and confident, and that you did your homework. Trust me, they will love to hear you say “…so I see that you are currently working on such and such project.” They will remember you forever after that.
While you are talking to professionals, make sure you ask questions. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be afraid to ask about their current position, or what they recommend you should do while seeking internships, etc. Just don’t forget your manners. Don’t talk about money, personal information, and especially do not bash the event or talk negatively about anything or anyone. Stay on positive subjects, and they will remember you in a positive way. Let them do the talking. Remember that you are building relationships, it takes time.
If you can, put together some business cards. You can get them for nearly nothing, if not for free, at vistaprint.com. With business cards, you will not only impress the professionals at the event, but also you will make a memorable impression as they now have your contact information. Don’t make the mistake of only giving your business card out — ask if you can exchange business cards and thus you will have their contact information as well.
During the event, when the mingling is done and it is time to listen to the keynote speaker, take some notes. Again, don’t be afraid. You may think you look silly, but after all, you are a student or a person seeking advice or ways to further your knowledge. With notes, you will seem interested, and you can use these to write on your blog about your experience, or even better, pitch your school newspaper about the event. Now, not only have you learned something because of the event, but also you are gaining some material for your portfolio or to boost your name on Google.
When the event is over, make sure you need to add all of your new contacts to Linkedin or send them a quick e-mail stating that it was a pleasure to meet them and you’d like to stay in touch.
It cannot be said enough: Networking is so important, especially as an aspiring professional. But also think of how much you will learn from other people. And you may not find a job directly from the first person you meet, but they may lead you to other opportunities.
So there you have it. Now go be the star, and the new kid everyone is talking about at your next networking event.
