Y.E.S! networking tips to help you get the most out of your next event

Networking doesn’t have to be a chore. Approach networking with a positive outlook! Remember that you have something to contribute and recognize that a strong network is about giving and receiving.

Here are some tips to steer you in the right direction.

Be prepared. Develop your 30-second elevator speech that sums up who you are. For example,

“I’m a media and communications specialist with comprehensive experience in strategy development and media relations. I have a passion for writing, philanthropy, and am always looking to learn new skills. Right now I’m exploring Social Media.”

Stay informed. Read your local business rag so you know what’s going on with different people and different companies.

Try new events. If you want to meet new people, you have to try doing new things. Not all networking has to take place at a formal cocktail event. Try a running club, cooking club, book club, anywhere you’ll find people with similar interests. Try a bunch of events and see what sticks.

Go with an open mind. Don’t over-analyze where you’re going, or decide in advance what you expect from the event. Go with a positive attitude that assumes you will provide value to someone else and you will get value from someone else.

Set a goal. Think about where you’re going and what you want to get out of the event. Do this by clearing your head and spending some quiet time focusing on what you hope to gain from that event. Setting your goal will help you become more aware of opportunities and will keep you on track. These can be simple goals like, learning something new; or just meeting three new people.

Keep a free hand. Events aren’t about the food and drink. Keep one hand free to shake hands with new contacts and exchange business cards.

Be present with each individual you meet. Give that person your full attention and really listen to what they’re saying. Don’t look over their shoulder or look around the room.

Create focal points at the event. This will keep you on track with your goals. Focal points are your markers to aim for and will prevent you from wandering aimlessly in a big room for the duration of the event. Focal points can also help break down a big room and make it less intimidating. Make your way from one point to the other. You will circulate better throughout the event and it will keep you from standing in one place or being in one conversation for too long.

Keep moving. Don’t spend too much time with one person, and avoid chatting to your friend or colleague.

Be ready to start a conversation. Make sure to stop along the way to your destination. You want to have a few good stories and make sure you’ve done your reading. Have your ears open, head up, eyes looking forward – if you make eye contact with someone, make sure to stop and talk to them. The introduction can be simple, including, how did you get here tonight?; how did you find out about this event? or just a simple, hi, I’m Jane Doe. Don’t make it harder for yourself. There will always be a first awkward 30 seconds. The more people you meet, the easier it will be to find your flow. Keep at it!

It takes quantity to get to the quality! Statistically speaking, you'll make a solid connection with one in ten people. So branch out and meet as many people as you can. Sometimes you’ll meet someone you really click with and that’s great! But if you know you want to chat with them further, get their card and tell them you’ll follow up with them afterwards, with a polite “Can we continue this conversation over coffee next week?” and move on. Your network is a combination of professional contacts, friends, close confidantes, or resources you see once in a while – don’t focus too hard on making best friends – every contact is an asset to your network.

Get personal. You build connections with people by finding commonality, not by pushing a business agenda. Talking about real life makes you more human! If you can find a commonality with someone, the business elements will fall into place. Remember those items about people that you meet – write them down on their business cards, and refer back to it next time you see them. This makes your interaction genuine and affirms that you are thoughtful and conscientious – qualities everyone wants in an employee or a friend.

Stretch yourself. When you meet someone new, make sure to ask questions when you hear a term or acronym that you don’t know. This builds into the giving and receiving of networking. Your new contact will have the opportunity to add value to your experience. In turn they’ll know that you’re listening. Every conversation should be an exchange, so if your new contact is running a monologue make sure to interject.

Cutting off the conversation – Use your focal point to help you finish a conversation. “It was great talking to you, I’m just working my way to the bar.” If you pick a destination you can excuse yourself without being rude and when that person turns around again later, you’re somewhere else!

Invite people. After meeting people, use your judgment to invite them to future events that may be of interest to them. This is a good way to contribute to your network.

Follow up! Add people onto your LinkedIn, and once a month set a reminder to open up your address book, so you can reconnect to people you haven’t been in touch with in a while. Go through your stack of cards after an event and organize them; see who sticks out. Follow up individually with these people. And keep reading that local business rag. Use a more thoughtful approach to networking and get in touch with your new contacts when you read something about them.

Use online networks to complement the face-to-face work you’ve done. Reinforce your relationship by sending articles of interest or notes when you think of it. Too often we can put this off and it falls by the wayside.

Engage with Y.E.S! online and with Committee Members. We want Y.E.S! to work for you, so go online or get in touch with a Committee Member and share your great ideas!