How to do Networking? - During the event 

Walk the Walk

You’ve arrived at the event, so let’s jump right in.

Where are you going to stand?

TOP TIP: Stand near the food and drink, it’s where the people are AND can be a great conversation starter. “Those little square things with the red stuff on top were delicious, did you try one?”

Be approachable 

If you’re looking at your phone during an event, it’s a signal to people that you don’t want to be disturbed. Put your phone firmly in your pocket and try holding something else in your hand instead, like a drink.

Be selective and dissolve elegantly 

Use your time wisely, you don’t want to get stuck in conversations that aren’t valuable or going anywhere. The thing is, the person you’re talking too probably feels the same way but doesn’t know how to end the conversation. Dissolve it elegantly. A trick I sometimes use is to look above their shoulder and wave at “someone” behind them, then I can say “Oh I’ve just need to go and speak to this guy,  it was great to meet you” and leave. If you tell anyone I told you that, I’ll deny it!

Be Memorable 

Think of ways you can stand out. This could be something you wear - bright colours, a bow tie, a shirt with a slogan. Anything that can become a conversation starter. 

The Wing Man

Going to an event with someone can take a lot of the pressure out of networking. On the way to the event, discuss your goals for the event, who do you want to meet? This way you can introduce each other to the right people. Two people can cover more ground than one so your chances are higher. And your wingman can introduce you in much brighter light than you’d do for yourself. Make sure they know thing things you want to share. Finally, you can also help eachother out of awkward conversations, decide on an escape signal!

Talk the Talk 

Have you heard of active listening?

Active listening gives the other person a great feeling. A lot of the time in conversations rather than hearing what others are saying we focus on what we’re going to say next. Active listening focuses on what the person is saying to continue the conversation.
When the person has finished speaking, ask a follow up question based on what they’ve just said and keep doing this. More than anything, you’ll gather a load of information so when it’s your turn you can speak in the right context to them and make it super relevant.

• How to start the conversation? — Good conversation starters include food, clothes you wear, hot industry news, events and holidays, something about the event itself. Approach all these topics before you starting talking about yourself or your pitch, as that’s a turn off.

• It’s not about you, it’s them — Again, be interested and keep asking them about themselves. By the time you start telling them about yourself they will be much more interested.
• If you pitch, pitch yourself first — be personal before you tell the story of what you do.
• How can you help them? — Can you connect them to someone? 
• Keeping Notes — If you go to an event, keep notes. Preferably on a business card you’ve received. Describe the person you met, what you spoke about, or any hook that you can use when you follow up.
• Remember Names — Someone’s name is the most basic part of their identity and what represents them. When you come to say hello to someone, try to repeat the name of the person - “Hi John, Nice to meet you”. This will help you remember their name. If you can repeat it 3 times in the first 5 minutes, you’ll likely never forget it.

Lastly, remember just because the events over doesn’t mean your job is done. Next week, we’ll go through how you can keep the conversation going.