Have you got a networking event booked into the calendar? If this is your first time heading to one in-person, you may be a bit nervous right now. You might now know what to expect, what to do, who you’re going to meet, what you’re going to say, etc., and all of that has got your head on a spin.
All in all, you’re overthinking, you’re stressed out, and you’re about ready to cancel your ticket and stay home! But before you take that plunge, we want to step in and give you some advice about attending a networking event. Namely, how you can do so in a way that makes you stand out, without going so far as to embarrass yourself.
No matter where you’re going or why you’re attending, you can strike up some very important relationships with some very important figures in your industry. Don’t let the idea of that put you off; it’s quite possibly the best way to get ahead in business, even in the modern era.
And everyone in attendance is going to be in the same boat as you. Everyone who picks up an invite to a networking event does so to meet new people, forge new connections, and hand out their business cards. Remember that when you’re on the floor and feel out of place!
And in order to counteract that fish out of water feeling, we’ve put together a little guide on the best ways to leave a good impression when you’re networking. If you’re terrified that you’re going to make a mistake, trip up, and have to leave in shame, check it down below.
Know Who Else is Attending
This is key to setting yourself off on the right foot. Who is going to be at the networking event? You can find out by checking the trade stall list, keynote speaker announcements, and track the event’s hashtag on social media.
Here you’re likely to find posts from industry figures personally announcing their attendance, and giving them a follow and/or leaving a comment about how you’ll be doing the same is a great way to get started.
Be Aware of Your Body Language
Coming across in a friendly and open way is a prerequisite for attending a networking event. You need to seem approachable, interested, and like the kind of person someone could work with. And even if there’s a smile on your face and you’re happy to have a chat with someone, your body language could be saying another thing entirely.
And the person you’re speaking to might not even pick up on that, but subconsciously, they may feel that something is ‘off’ about the interaction. Don’t let this happen to you. Make sure you’re aware of how you’re coming across through these signals.
For example, even just folding your arms because that feels more comfortable could make the other person feel like you’re closing off from them. That won’t help to set a good impression.
Print Business Materials That Come with a Shine
Networking means leaving the impression to sit with your lead even after you’ve walked away. People have been doing this easily for years via the use of printed business materials; most commonly, a business card.
But the design of this card needs to be very carefully thought out. You can’t just write your name and number on a small piece of card and expect people to want to keep it around! You need to make sure this little bit of material has as much marketing power as possible.
This is where a deep understanding of your brand image, as well as your clients’ needs, comes in. How can you combine the two to leave a lasting impression that does all the talking for you? You’ve not got much room to make it happen remember!
But if you get the cards professionally made and printed by a company like Aura Print, who offer matte, laminited, and foil variety cards for businesses like yours, you’re going to set your head above the crowd.
People love well made business materials, as they show just how much thought, time, and care went into your marketing process. After all, even the smallest of details has been polished to this high degree!
Keep Your Pitch Small and Succinct
No one wants to be stopped so they can listen to a 5 minute long spiel. No one is ever going to find success in their networking efforts when they ramble like this. As such, make sure your pitch is as small and succinct as possible.
Some people recommend aiming for only 30 seconds at max, but if you can introduce yourself and what you do/who you can help in two to three sentences, you could have your pitch over and done with within 10 seconds.
If you can then answer any questions put your way with the same easy flow and confidence, you’re going to have a lot more success in keeping the conversation going.
Always keep in mind that your pitch should have something for the other person to do as well. If you can’t ask them a question at the same time you’re advertising your own services, you may need to tweak what you’re saying.
Keep the Focus on Who You’re Talking to
Speaking of, when you’re talking to someone you’re hoping will become a long term business connection, keep as much of the focus on them as possible. If you want them to see you as someone they can build a valuable relationship with, you need to showcase what that relationship will look like within this initial meeting.
Above all else, you don’t want to come across as an aggressive advertiser, who’s gotten this person trapped in a cycle of listening to the benefits of your business without having much interest in them. That’s not a good way to build some goodwill!
Send a Follow Up Message
Once the event is over, make sure you send follow up messages to anyone you spoke to and got the profiles and numbers of. Give it a couple of days to allow the exhaustion of the event to die down, but then get in touch with a friendly message.
Make sure the content of the message is quick and easy to respond to, and slip in a reminder there about what you spoke about when you first met. You can also send a link to your website, but this may be best left to the second message after they’ve responded.
Leave a Good Impression at Your Next Networking Event
It’s easier to do than you might think! Don’t let the nerves tie you up in knots and leave you feeling like you’ll never get anywhere. Everyone knows networking is difficult, as is summing up the courage to approach someone, and you’ll never find the judgement you’re expecting amongst the crowd.
Use this time now to focus your energies on things that’ll really leave an impact. Focus on crafting your elevator pitch, get an insight into your own body language, and put together a business card and/or flyer that’ll let someone know everything they need to about you.
And remember, a more casual, friendly conversation goes a long way. Don’t make the whole event about getting your name out and picking up contacts. Talk to those you meet in a normal way; that often leaves a much better impression than any pitch that could be put together!
