Sometimes who you know is more important than what you don't know.It's important to attend a career networking event if you want to land a job, transition to a new career, or expand your business.You can make connections with people who can help you grow your business at networking events.
Step 1: You can choose to attend networking events based on your career goals.
You can learn more about your field by attending trade associations and industry events.At trade association events, everyone is competing for the same business contracts, so you aren't likely to generate leads.If you want to increase sales, you should consider events where different industries are represented.Non-profit, social, cultural, and athletic events can be considered.
Step 2: Talk points can be developed ahead of time.
Potential business contacts will appreciate hearing about your business, but won't listen to a sales pitch.A concise description of your company's mission is a must.Provide an interesting example of a current project to help people remember you.Prepare your response before the event so that you don't make it too long.
Step 3: You can make a list of goals.
Before you go to the networking event, make a list of goals that you can focus on.This will help you remember why you are here and stay focused on the task at hand.Finding a new job, making new contacts in a specific niche in your market, or opening up new sales markets are some good examples.
Step 4: Business cards can be printed.
Making contacts and giving out business cards are important aspects of any networking event.If you don't have a business card, you are less likely to be contacted by people you connect with at the networking event.When your supply is low, make sure to order your business cards.You don't want to know you're out of new cards when you get to the networking event.Bring at least 20 business cards with you to the event.You don't want to run out before the event is over.
Step 5: It is appropriate to dress in business attire.
Even if your work environment is casual, jeans and other casual clothing are not acceptable for networking events.If you are unsure, call the event organizers and ask about suggested attire.Men should wear slacks with a button-up shirt and a blazer for most events.It never hurts to go that extra mile.A pantsuit or mid-length dress with pumps and hose is suitable for a networking event for women.
Step 6: You should introduce yourself.
When you meet a new person, you should state your name and give a brief description of your affiliation with the event.Try to keep the conversation going by asking questions of the new person.During the introduction, maintain an air of professionalism.Try something like, "Hello, I'm Ben."I work in marketing.
Step 7: You should make eye contact.
It's important to make eye contact when meeting new people.It is part of the good first impression you want to make.It shows people that you are interested and listening to what they have to say.When you meet a new person at a networking event, make eye contact with them as you introduce yourself, shake hands and continue the conversation.
Step 8: Be accessible.
It is important to appear friendly and personable at events like this.You could walk away without any extra contacts.Ask questions about the other person and keep a smile on your face.You will appear like a nicer person because of this.lugging around a huge portfolio of work makes you seem less personable.
Step 9: Don't linger.
Don't stay with a new person for the rest of the night.If you are attending the event alone, you don't want to overstay your welcome.After you've finished your conversation and exchanged business cards, move on to another person.This will allow you and the person you are talking to to make more contacts, meet more people, and be more successful at the event.If you hit it off with someone, move on to another contact so you can network more effectively.You can always return to contacts that seem beneficial.You don't want to appear as if you're hogging someone's attention.
Step 10: Start talking.
You can introduce yourself to another attendee at the event.If you want to ask questions about the other person, give the highlights of your professional situation.The other person will like this because people love to talk about themselves.Try to talk to as many people as possible by spending about five to ten minutes with each new contact.
Step 11: Business cards are exchanged.
Give out your business cards and ask for theirs back after you've made some connections.In the future, this exchange is very important.The rolodex is a good place to keep these cards.When you need to refer back to an old contact's business card, you never know.
Step 12: Follow up with an email.
Don't wait too long after the event to get in touch with contacts that are beneficial to you.You don't want them to forget your conversation.If you don't have anything to discuss at the moment, you could just send a short email saying you enjoyed meeting them, and give a brief recap of your discussion.Try something like this.James was at the trade convention.I wanted to let you know that it was a pleasure to meet you.I looked forward to the possibility of a future collaboration after we talked about my company's accounting software.