The ability to network is a useful skill in both your professional and personal life. Humans are social beings, and making connections and expanding our social network brings us support, meaning and fun. Although it sounds cliche, being yourself is the best advice when you’re at any social gathering; trying to be someone else won’t work further down the line so go into these events being you.
So you’re there, at a big event where you have to ‘network.’ Ugh. The room is filled with people you don’t know or you might call acquaintances. Just mingle, it’s easy! Right? No. The truth is these events can be intimidating. Walking into a room filled with people you need to make a good impression with can be really difficult. Here’s a few tips to help change what can seem a hugely awkward event into an enjoyable, productive one:
- Have a plan. Don’t walk into this without considering who you want to speak to. These can be people you already know but want to build more of a relationship with or strangers who could for example help with your career development or who are involved with something you care about. Having a game plan can give you a focus and direction when entering the room and can make it seem less intimidating and more productive.
- Have a think about where you’re standing. Standing near places such as the bar or where the food is being served is a great way to start a conversation. You could make a comment about the drink someone’s ordered or ask about a certain food. Another great place to start a conversation is in the queue (if there is one – and there normally is in this country). You’re automatically standing close to others without having to approach them, and if no other topic springs to mind, you can always talk about what you’re waiting for to get the conversation started.
- Always remember your body language when sparking up a conversation. Appear open and interested by tilting your head, standing so you’re facing directly facing the other person or even leaning forward slightly to show you are listening. And of course, smile liberally. This will instantly put the other person at ease and help to keep the conversation going.
- When you’re introducing yourself or the conversation is coming to an end, accompany these moments with a handshake. Handshakes and even good eye contact boost that sense of connection between people and make you appear confident. Another confident move is to develop (or show off) your networking skills by introducing your new acquaintance to someone you already know. This is particularly useful if those people have something in common or could help each other in some way – and it can prompt others to return the favour.
- After a networking event, follow up with your new acquaintances to ensure they remember who you are and to build on that relationship. Send an email or a message, perhaps with a link attached to something relevant you spoke about or ask them if they want to meet again.
Expanding your network is a great way to feel more confident and connected and is one of the key ways to get more enjoyment from life and work.
Happy networking!