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Networking is an incredible opportunity for business owners and job seekers. If you’re interested in exploring professional connections, learning how to network in business could catapult your career. Pick up some quick tips and you’ll reach your goals faster than you would have alone.
How to Do Networking In Person
Networking events happen online and in person. Preparing for a local event requires a few simple steps that you can recycle for every future gathering.
1. Get Your Supplies Ready
You might think that networking is all about chatting, but people show up with supplies, too. You might bring your business cards if you own a company or copies of your resume if you’re seeking a job. You could also bring a QR code on your phone that people can scan to visit your website or online resume.
There are also some practical details to consider. You should wear comfortable professional clothing that makes you feel confident without restricting your movements. Explore style options like blazers and loafers to define your work style.
Bring your ticket if you have to get one for the event and ensure that you have a payment method in case parking isn’t free. You might even check the weather and bring an umbrella to keep your nice clothes dry on your way in from the parking lot.
2. Prepare Your Pitch
When someone approaches you at a networking event, you’ll want to have a pitch ready. Pitches change depending on why you’re there. The point is to let your conversation partner know why you walked through the door and if you’re worth a connection worth exploring.
If you own a business, your pitch could include your business name, what you do and who you serve. Someone looking for a job might mention that they’re seeking employment in a specific field and include a sentence or two about their professional background. Don’t worry about memorizing specific words. As long as you cover the same information, you’ll refine your pitch naturally.
3. Practice Three Icebreaker Questions
You might feel most nervous about starting conversations with strangers. Experts found that 30% of shyness is genetic, but you can still work on your social skills to feel comfortable at public events.
If you have a couple of icebreakers in mind, you can forge connections with anyone. Consider asking why your conversational partner chose that networking event or started their business. You could also ask for more information about something in their pitch. If you’re actively listening while they respond, you could begin relationships that last a lifetime.
4. Remember to Exchange Information
You’ll meet plenty of people in networking events that aren’t the right fit for your professional intentions. When you meet someone who suits your goals, remember to exchange contact information. They could give you their business card to talk more. You’ll only have to remember to email or call them in the next few business days.
You might also want to connect with attendees on LinkedIn. People arrive with the app downloaded so they can send connection requests to like-minded professionals. You never know who could become a friend or advisor. Research shows that over 90% of people with mentors feel happier in their workplaces, so it could be worth exploring as a networking goal.
Networking Tips for Online Spaces
Virtual networking events are other opportunities to create lucrative connections. You’ll save time and money by meeting people online, but keep a few networking skills in mind for the different environment:
- Keep your camera on at all times to avoid seeming rude.
- Wear professional clothing like you would for an in-person event.
- Use the same pitch, especially if you have the same goals as your last event.
- Bring one fun fact about yourself that can fit within any timed speaking limits.
- Expect to meet a wider variety of people if the event is open to national or global attendees.
- Add people on the networking platform afterward if it doubles as a professional social media website.
- Share your website or online resume through the chat if the host invites people to do so before the gathering ends.
Check your event’s listing before logging onto the video chat. The moderators will likely have a list of rules, like what you’re allowed or not allowed to put in the chat box. You could even browse that information in the weeks before, so you feel familiar with the event before it starts.
Benefits of Networking
Introverts might wonder why people learn how to do networking if it feels stressful. Trying something new always requires pushing yourself, but networking has a few specific benefits that make the effort worth it.
You’ll Understand Your Motivation Better
Sometimes it’s hard to talk about your professional aspirations. Presenting your pitch at networking events reconnects you with your motivations. As you tell people what you want for your career or why you started your business, you’ll form a deeper relationship with your professional self.
Fulfilling careers are easier to achieve if you never lose sight of what drives you. You could also make more confident first impressions, which can otherwise ruin your credibility if you don’t seem like a focused professional.
Your Confidence Could Grow
Stepping outside of your comfort zone more than once could help you build your self-confidence. The trait is essential if you run a business, hire employees or step into a room for an interview. Throw yourself into conversations where you talk about your achievements or boldly present icebreakers. Networking will feel more natural if you continue attending events online or in person.
You Might Access Opportunities
Some networking opportunities don’t result in any lasting relationships. You might accidentally arrive at an event with the wrong audience. Even if you feel like there’s no reason to be there, you could still benefit from your networking efforts.
Talk with people to learn from their professional experiences and find out what they do. You never know if you might learn about a local pickleball club where business owners compete with tiny rackets while chatting about their careers. You could listen to someone who attended a nearby school that provides courses for free. Asking people about their lives will expand your understanding of your professional field and local community.
Where to Learn More Skills
You don’t have to cross your fingers and hope you’re developing the right networking skills when you attend events. You can also spend your free time honing your communication abilities with resources like books or online classes.
Browse the internet for instructional videos as well. YouTube is full of free content that teaches people how to network in their specific niches. Take notes and think about what would feel most natural to you during an event to find how you best connect with people.
Understand How to Network in Business
Learning to network can make your career more fulfilling. Whether you’re looking for a job or want to meet other business owners, sign up for an event. If you arrive with a positive frame of mind and a few icebreakers, you’ll have incredible experiences meeting people who inspire you.
