We always think that it’s important to meet as many people as possible at a networking event. I admit, I used to be the person that would want to say “hi” to everyone in the room, but that’s no longer the case. Instead of pressuring yourself to meet everyone — try finding that one person you can connect with.
That one conversation could give you more opportunities than you could have ever imagined.
Below are 5 ways to make the most out of a networking event:
1. Have deep conversations.
Having a deeper conversation is the best way to get to know someone. What do I mean by a deep conversation? If I’m at an event and meet 10 people, I probably couldn’t tell you much about them. If I only had a conversation with 1 or 2 people, I will most likely be able to tell you what they do, what they love, and how they got to where they are now. Isn’t the purpose of networking to meet people and hear their story? If my goal was to meet 10 people at an event, that puts much more stress on me rather than meeting just 1 or 2 people. Try having that deep conversation to really get to know someone and how you might be able to help them — they might just be able to return the favor.
2. Be curious and show genuine interest.
People can tell when you’re being genuine. They can recognize and respect authentic communication much more than a short shallow conversation. Have a genuine conversation where you are truly curious about another person because that conversation will take you much further than just trying to meet each and every person in the room. Don’t be afraid of asking questions to learn more — That’s just the curiosity kicking in. Get to genuinely know someone for who they are, what they do, and what they stand for by being curious.
3. Don’t spread yourself too thin.
When you’re meeting so many people at an event, you’re more focused on remembering the people you met rather than enjoying the conversation. That can be exhausting. This can make networking sound like so much more work than what it really is. Networking is supposed to be fun and exciting because you’re telling people about yourself and listening to other people and their stories as well. Networking is an inspiring experience that opens up your perspective. Don’t kill yourself trying to meet so many people. A successful networking event is being able to come out of the event with at least one new connection.
4. Broaden your network by broadening your mindset.
It’s not about how many business cards you receive or give out. It’s about meeting the right people. You never know who will be able to help you get to where you want to be. Let’s say you’re a lawyer and you met someone at a networking event and that person was a barber. The lawyer could do one of two things, either turn away and talk to someone else in his or her industry, or speak with the barber who comes from another industry. Just because the barber is not in your line of work or in your industry, that doesn’t mean they don’t have anything to share or that they can’t help you in some kind of way. That barber could have clients that are in need of a lawyer. Who do you think the barber would refer if their client needed a lawyer? That would be you my friend! Try extending that helping hand as well by referring clients to the barber as well to really open that window of opportunity for the both of you. Challenge yourself to practice interpreting situations like this differently and opening up your mindset to new engagements and opportunities.
5. Follow up after the event.
As human beings, we all want and need connections with others. Following up with someone that you just met shows that you’re interested in fostering this new relationship and that you care to see them again in the future. There are many ways you can follow-up and you will know which method will be the most effective based on the conversation and relationship. Simple ways of following up include sending an email, text message, or writing a card. All of these methods are simple yet effective ways to grow a new relationship just by following up. The follow-up doesn’t have to be so long winded and overthought. It can be a short and simple message that refers to (1) the conversation you had between the two of you, (2) how you’re grateful for a specific insight you gained, and (3) how you can help that individual in some way (i.e. sharing an article, a new connection, a referral, etc.).
Try using these 5 simple tips next time you plan on attending a networking event. You’d be surprised with the satisfaction and enjoyment you will have coming out of the experience with this new perspective and approach.
Thanks for reading ~