30 Networking Tips to Use on Your Next Event

How many of you have recently attended a networking event and said “I sure killed it tonight, I know everything about networking and I don’t need anymore tips”? If you said “Yes” then move on and ignore this article and tell everyone you meet that you’re perfect. If “No” read this article to refresh yourself before your next event to set yourself for networking success. Here are my 30 up to date networking tips:

  1. Tip: Leave on a light note: know when to end a conversation and excuse yourself from the conversation before it dies down.
  2. Tip: Listen: Listen as much as possible, try to listen instead of thinking about what you’re going to say next.
  3. Tip: Be as Helpful: Be as helpful as you can while still being genuine (without feeling resentful),
    sharing resources or ideas without expectation of anything in return, remember the “Pay it Forward” mentality.
  4. Tip: Express Gratitude: Make sure to express gratitude for anything others do to help you. Send hand-written thank-you notes or personal emails, and be specific about what you appreciated.
  5. Tip: Take Notes: Make a note from your conversation on your potential contacts business card.
  6. Tip: Quality > Quantity: Network with people you’re genuinely interested in talking to. Quality > quantity.  You’ll get more out of the event by making several great connections vs. meeting everyone, passing out your business card without any personal conversations or connections.
  7. Tip: Take Your Time: Know that building relationships take time.  I’ve been in situations where I’ve met people several times before they trusted me enough to really connect– so be patient.
  8. Tip: Own the Relationship: Don’t get caught up with, “They did not call me;” be the one who initiates and follows-up.  Just like dating: sometimes you have to make the first move to get the relationship going.
  9. Tip: Be Visible: Speak on panels or conferences where you can, even smaller ones. I am a member of (YPOS) and by being a member it helps me make more connections for networking and being involved in my community. Remember, the more you move up in your career the more you should give back to your community by volunteerism and or charity work.
  10. Tip: Be Useful: Send your trusted few the articles or case studies they will find useful. Pick up the phone and call them to suggest a company they should know, a potential co-founder, or a potential mentor.
  11. Tip: Mr or Ms Connector: By being a connector you’ll be a more valuable resource to your new contact and be known as a connector at events.
  12. Tip: Pay Attention: Look at people’s subtle reactions to your questions. Are they distracted, bored, excited, or turned on by what you are saying or asking…? People love talking about themselves, if you only remember one thing remember that. This means by asking lots of questions to the potential contact will think they had the best conversation in the world also you’ll know more about them and how you can help them in business. Don’t get discouraged if this person doesn’t ask as many questions as you do, some day they will learn.  Until then give them grace and keep asking lots of questions.
  13. Tip: Arrive early / Stay late: Want to make the most of an event?  Stay late. Why? Not everyone arrives early or stays late. Arriving early (if you can) and staying late gives you the opportunity to meet professionals with varying schedules and you have more time to get to know the people you just meet.
  14. Tip: Business relationships are a two-way street: It’s OK to talk about yourself but the best compliment is to ask a lot of questions about the person and their business.
  15. Tip:Ask open ended questions & listen: This highlights ways you can add value and meet needs other professionals might have.  Much like dating, the more questions you ask, the more the person feels a connection with you.
  16. Tip: Stand. Why? Sitting signals that you are having a private conversation, or otherwise busy with your iPhone.  Sitting should be reserved for serious conversations and follow up meetings. Don’t be a flower on the wall.
  17. Tip: Hello? Wear a name tag: Why? Everyone attends a networking event to meet new people, so don’t be shy!  Say hello, mingle, and introduce yourself. Make sure your name tag is written clearly with your name and business name for others to read.
  18. Tip: 50/50 rule: Spend an equal time with people you know and meeting new people.  The more people you meet, the easier it gets when you attend your next event.
  19. Tip: Pay it Forward: The best networker is a connector, someone that refers business to other people without thinking about themselves, but thinking about helping others in networking.  This will help you in the long run by getting more business and contacts, plus respect.
  20. Tip: Elevator Pitch:  Have several elevator pitches ready for your event.  This way, if someone already heard your last pitch they can hear another one which might help them find you more business and or know more about your business.
  21. Tip: Volunteer: The best way to meet everyone at an event is to volunteer at the front sign-in desk. This way you can meet the people you want to talk to and save you time.
  22. Tip: Network, network, network: Try to visit at least one event a week. The more you network the more business contacts you gain which will result in more business.  If you don’t network, your business won’t grow and no one will know about you and your business.
  23. Tip: Don’t be discouraged: When going to after hours or social event don’t get discouraged if you don’t meet everyone.  It is better to meet a few good people and get to know them on a personal level. By doing that when you go to the next event, you’ll know more people and able to make new connections and before long, you’ll end up meeting most of the people you originally wanted to meet.
  24. Tip: Diversity: Even though an event is a woman’s meet up or woman’s event, men are more than welcome to come to socialize and network.  This is a good way to diversify your networking and meet different types of professionals.
  25. Tip: Category Restricted Groups: When you arrive to a category restricted networking group, find seating near people you don’t know.  This way you can meet new people, maybe build a partnership and grow your network.
  26. Tip: Lonesome Dove: If you’re at an networking event and you see someone by themselves, obviously they are new and don’t know anyone, approach them and make them feel welcome because all of us once was new to networking.  Make them feel comfortable and introduce them to people you know to make their first networking experience fun and rewarding.
  27. Tip: Category Restricted Groups #2: If you’re going to a category restricted event, make sure you know what you’re going to say for your 1 or 2 minute commercial.  Hint: Have two commercials ready in case you have a chance to do a second commercial.
  28. Tip: Research: Take the time to look the event up on Facebook or on the website to see who’s attending the event. This way you can find those you want to speak to and connect with.
  29. Tip: Offer Help: It’s always best to ask a potential connection what you can do to help them in business and what’s a a good connection for them.  This way it shows that you actually care and want to help them out.
  30. Tip: Get Involved: Get involved in local networking groups or associations by being a volunteer at the event to get free admission to the event.

Carpe Diem~