Network Like a Boss – A guide to networking events

Networking for your business is a vital element to success in your industry. Don’t miss out on valuable opportunities to meet new clients, and build alliances with potential partners and suppliers. Not everyone is a natural social butterfly, so here are a few simple steps to ensuring a successful industry mingle.

Before the networking event

Once you have registered for an industry networking event such as a conference or exhibition, make sure to plan your networking goals. There is often a list of registered guests and speakers available in the weeks before the event.

Announce that you will be attending the event

In the week or so before the event is to take place, make a brief announcement that you will be attending the event over your professional social media channels where suitable. This allows for other attendees and guests to potentially add you to their networking list, and being approached at a networking event is a lot easier than seeking out others.

Start by noting those you have met before

This is a great opportunity to strengthen old ties, as well as offering you a snowball effect for further introductions. And of course this will reduce the likelihood of finding yourself in the awkward position of forgetting someone’s name.

Make a list of people you hope to meet

Take a look at the guests that will be attending the event as well as the companies they represent. Choose 4 or 5 people that you believe could have a positive impact on your business, whether it be a potential client, supplier, or mentor. Research what it is their company does, and their role within the organisation. Networking is not supposed to be a race to collect as many business cards as possible, instead focus on the real potential within the network. Set yourself a realistic networking goal or quota. This is particularly useful if you prefer to blend into the background at networking events. Remember this is your own KPI, so focus on quality over quantity!

Prepare your networking tool-kit

Preparation is very important for a successful networking event. Your networking tool-kit should include a plethora of up to date business cards, your name badge, a notepad and pen, company brochures, and of course your perfected elevator pitch to introduce yourself and your business services without being too sales-ey.

During the networking event

There are a few things you can do to make networking a lot easier while at the event.

Arrive to the event early

First impressions are very important, and in business punctuality is a sign of professionalism and reliability. Not only that, but this also offers you the opportunity to gather your thoughts, find the best seats, and it is a lot easier to start conversations with people as small numbers arrive, than to join groups who are already mid-conversation.

 Announce your presence over social media

A lot of conference events make use of Twitter or other social media channels as an underlying social communicator, which are commonly projected for the audience to see above the stage.  Make use of this less intimidating platform, buy announcing your attendance at the event, and even tweeting other guests where relevant.

Put one step forward

As people start arriving, politely introduce yourself to the new guests. Most people are thankful for someone to break the ice for them. Soon enough a snowball introduction will start to roll, and the rest is plain sailing!

Use approachable body language

There are some basic body language principles when it comes to approachability; do not fold your arms, make sure to smile at others, and leave a gap in your socialising circle so that others feel they will be welcomed into the conversation. Direct eye contact throughout conversations shows you are interested, and promotes a stronger connection. Make sure not to have your hands full, as the handshake is a very important aspect of networking interactions.

Socialise, don’t sell!

Remember to be yourself, people are often wary of the hard sell of an over eager network schmoozers, and they are avoided like the plague. Relax, and enjoy the atmosphere. Get to know others by asking relevant questions, and listening with interest. When the time comes to share your elevator pitch, keep it short and sweet. If the opportunity arises, introduce your contacts to each other. This simple gesture shows your networking value and can make you come across as more likeable. And only when a connection has been made do you offer your business card.

After the networking event

After leaving the networking event, you should have a nice collection of business cards from all the interesting people you have met. Now is the time to affirm your connections. Here are a few steps you can take to building on them.

Take note

Unless you have a fantastic memory, it is quite unlikely you will be able to remember all the conversations, names, and faces after a few weeks. For this reason, we recommend you take note of your experience very soon after the networking event, and take note of the people you met, some details about them and their organisation, and if they showed an interest in maintaining contact regarding a particular service or venture.

Follow up and connect

LinkedIn is a fantastic channel for maintaining contact after networking events. Connect with your contacts soon after the event, and ensure to include a personal message to discreetly remind them of you and the conversation you both had. This can also be done by email, but LinkedIn has the added benefit of offering extra information, as well as a profile photo to ensure you remember their face at your next meeting. Don’t be afraid to touch base again after a few weeks. This helps keep you and your brand at top of mind. Send them something of relevance and value, such as a referral that might benefit their business, or an article about a topic they showed interest in.

Go one step further with your networking

There are so many ways to step up your networking techniques. Take a step further, and maybe even play a different role at your next networking event!

Present a business stand

Present yourself and your business as an exhibitor or sponsor for a relevant industry event. Not only will your branding be included in all the marketing materials for the event, but you are also literally inviting people to come and network with you, via your display sign.

Volunteer as a guest speaker

Putting yourself forward as a guest speaker at an industry event offers you the opportunity to share your expertise with other professionals in your industry. This is a great way to secure your brand position as an expert authority in your field. Your name and business is promoted throughout the event, and guests are more likely to approach you directly to discuss the topics from your speech. Take a look at the AIPCO Conference 2015 for an example on how business experts come together to share their perspectives through public talks and panel discussions.

Organise a networking event of your own

The next step up is to organise a networking event of your own. This is a fantastic way to reconnect with clients and suppliers, previous contacts you met on other occasions, as well as potential clients. The first step to organising a conference or networking event is choosing the right location.

If you are considering organising a conference or networking event, contact us now for our Free Venue Finding Services.