Mastering Connections: 4 Impactful Ways to Prepare for Your Next Networking Event
Building a solid professional network is a beneficial strategy at any stage of your career. Forming connections with others outside of our immediate circle gives us new perspective, new learnings, and could present new career opportunities.
People avoid networking activities for various reasons but I’m here to tell you it can be easy and it can be fun! If you are considering your first networking event or getting prepped for #25, I have 4 easy ways to take your networking game to next level.
1. Nail your pitch
You will undoubtedly be asked a form of “tell me about yourself and/or “what do you do?”. You need to have your elevator pitch (30 seconds or less) ready. Practice with a friend who can give you feedback and refine your delivery. It’ll feel even easier and more natural the more you say it.
2. Do your research
Research the networking group and come prepared questions and ways you may add value. Research the attendees of the event and identify a couple individuals you want to connect with. Doing research will help you come across prepared and will likely lead to more engaging dialogue.
3. Bring a friend
Often, I’ll hear that people feel uncomfortable going to a networking event alone where they don’t know anyone. Bring a friend who will calm your nerves and get you more comfortable to open up to others. You can also hold each other accountable to branching out and meeting new people.
4. Be Present
Be present in the moment and fully focus on forming new connections with others. This means silencing distractions like your phone and being an active listener. Seek to learn and understand others and offer ways you may support them. People will remember you when you give more than take.
Whether you are seeking to expand your network with new and interesting connections, or you are seeking to enhance your job search strategy, investing in a thoughtful networking strategy will be worth the effort. If you want to partner with a career coach to define a networking strategy that aligns with your career goals, set up a discovery call with me today!