Many of us feel nervous when we enter unfamiliar territory like a business event – this is probably one of the challenges we fear most in our lives. There is a lot of pressure on us to present ourselves as successful and impressive and it can be overwhelming. But with a few preparations, we can tackle our nervousness. Here are three helpful tips for networking at the business event.

 

Before a business event:networking

  • Spend a few minutes imagining the kind of people you are going to meet. Will there be people you know or work with or will you only be introducing yourself to strangers? The minute you have visualised the scenario, you can begin to take your precautions so that you are not paralyzed the moment you enter a new conversation.
  • Prepare three small talk questions to establish the first contact.
  • Research the meeting or event and find out which companies and who will be there. Then decide which participants you would like to meet.

During a business event:

  • Adopt an attitude that shows you have been looking forward to this meeting. Smile, look up and enter the room in a confident networking manner – do not sneak along the walls. If you appear confident you will begin to feel confident.
  • Once you are feeling confident the next step is to look for people who aren’t. If you do not know anyone in the room, contact the people who are standing around on their own and use small talk.
  • If you are familiar with some of the guests, it is okay to say hello and start a conversation. It will calm you down and show that you appreciate them. However, after a few minutes, you should move into the room and try to contact some of the participants you do not know.
  • During your research, you may have run across guests you would like to meet. Try to find the person by asking around. Generally, people will be happy to help out. Remember to express your gratefulness when you are guided towards your goal.

 

After a business event:networking

  • If you meet interesting people – it is crucial that you take the initiative by following up with emails, telephone calls or coffee meetings. Take business cards!
  • When you contact your potential relationship, ask about and listen to their challenges. Do not start with your own challenges. At this point, you are watching each other. Be a good listener and offer your assistance whenever it is possible. When they mention a problem. Mention how you can provide a solution.
  • Remember that networking is all about paying in advance! So listen, help and pay. When you need assistance for real, your contacts will be happy to help you and pay you back.

 

Why networking is so important

We have all been told, ‘It’s not what you know, it’s who you know,‘ and this is actually true. Sound networking abilities are essential in a knowledge-based society. In consequence, people with broad and effective networks are usually both successful and in demand.

Futurologists tell us that in time to come, the route to success will be ever more dependent on wide and relevant networks – you will have problems if you just sit back and hope that everything will work out.

For more information and for tools to rapidly get into the professional networking mindset, check out Simone L. Andersen’s eBook Networking. 

 

Here are more articles on “networking” by Simone L. Andersen:

[bookboon-recommendations id=”49d6ee13-0f5e-e011-bd88-22a08ed629e5″ title=”You might also find these books interesting:”]