How to Prepare for A Networking Event

Networking events can be intimidating or maybe even daunting. Walking into a room of people you do not know and making conversation with those people may not be everyone’s ideal situation. To help ease some worries one might have about networking, check out these pointers to become a master networker!

Do your homework! 

It is important to prepare for a networking event ahead of time. You should always research the company or organization hosting the event, which will enable you to easily start or join a conversation. You can utilize the research you have completed and these Non-Awkward Ways to Start and End Networking Conversations, to ensure that you approach every interaction prepared and knowledgeable.

Another great reason to do your homework is that it permits you to reach out to people ahead of time. Invite them to grab coffee or have a quick phone conversation – don’t be afraid to get yourself out there! If you are an introverted person, this will give you a familiar face the moment you walk into the event. Researching ahead of time will ensure that you get the most out of the event and create meaningful interactions. 

Ask Questions 

While completing your (home)work for the event, create questions that you would like to ask. Tailor these questions towards the background of the individuals, what you would like to learn from them, or what you would like to help them with. The article, 6 Underlying Benefits of Asking Questions, written in Success magazine discusses the importance of questions, as intentional questions will bring better answers. Asking questions will show others that you are intrigued, engaged, and genuinely interested. 

Business Cards

Bring your business cards to all networking events, and keep them accessible all night. I often wear a jacket or pants with pockets so that when I exchange cards I do not have to search my bag for a tiny card. Business cards are still one of the most effective direct marketing tools. The interaction becomes very personal and memorable when you are able to make direct eye contact and hand someone your card. Remember to keep business cards in a safe compartment where they will not become dirty or bent. At the end of any conversation, make sure you thank the person for his/her/their time, and then exchange business cards. 

Elevator pitch

Be prepared to talk about yourself, your career, and what you are passionate about. An elevator pitch should intrigue your listener and keep them wanting to learn more about you. It is called an elevator pitch, as it takes about 30 seconds to ride from the bottom floor to the top floor of a building; and even in an elevator, you should be prepared to pitch yourself to anyone, anywhere, at any time. Tailor your elevator pitch to the reason why you are at an event. If you are in the job market, your elevator pitch should include your experience, skills, and what you are looking to accomplish in your career. If you are at a networking event to represent your company, your elevator pitch should include the mission of your company, what you do, and your role within the company. Most importantly, practice, practice, practice! 

Know that you can walk into any room and form relationships! Confidence is important. Being prepared, asking questions, exchanging business cards and having a well-versed elevator pitch will allow you to stand out in the crowd! This is a valuable skill to add to your professional toolkit. You will find honing this skill set will bring you great reward.