Once you are prepared to take the plunge and start building your network, keep the following lessons in mind.
Know what you want from networking
Approaching an event with a set of goals is essential to getting the most out of a networking occasion, and it will also help you think about the broader benefits of having a good network.
When attending an event, you may intend to meet a number of contacts with a certain background. Or if you are new to networking, you may just set a plan to introduce yourself to two or three people. By having a goal, you can prepare questions on the topic or sector you are interested in. Use online social sites such as Twitter or LinkedIn to find out what people in your industry are talking about or even who to talk to.
Being focused on a particular goal can be effective for an event, but it can be limiting if your objectives are too narrow. Networking is not about selling or bidding for new work. You should think about how you and your business can benefit from hearing about the experiences of other businesspeople.
Let yourself relax
Everyone says you should “just relax and be yourself” when confronted by a room full of strangers – as if it were the easiest thing in the world. However, you can still take steps to ensure a networking event is as stress free as possible.
If you have prepared questions and a short introduction about yourself, you don’t need to worry about coming up with a constant stream of small talk. Absorbing what others are saying is a skill that will see you gain useful information or pinpoint who may be a good contact. If you are trying to be more talkative than usual, it’s likely you are focusing more on your own actions rather than paying attention to others.
Networking isn't just about events
Meeting people face to face is an indispensable part of networking, but technology has allowed for an expanded set of options both for introductions to new contacts and keeping in touch with existing contacts.
Social networking sites such as LinkedIn and Twitter are now accepted arenas for businesspeople to interact with and establish contacts. Make use of LinkedIn Groups based on professional interests or industries, or look at sites that focus on just one industry or profession.
Participating in networking online can be useful practice for other forms of networking. Look at how others use online networking – often the most prominent and connected are those who make the effort to engage by contributing links, posts or other information that benefits their contacts.
Just get out there
The good news is that networking becomes easier with practice. So even if you think your first effort was a failure, just remember that it’s part of the necessary groundwork for your future network of wide-ranging contacts.
