6 Tips to Stand Out at Networking Meetings
Networking events are designed to meet others in your community, while sharing who you are and what you do. It’s more than passing out business cards and getting a door prize. It’s presenting yourself so your talent and personality shine!
Before attending your next event, consider defining your goal. Is it meeting five potential clients? Is it finding someone to add to your staff? Maybe it’s getting one contract signed this month. Having a specific goal in mind can help you stay focused and engage in conversations.
In addition to keeping your goal in mind, here are 6 ways to stand out at your next networking function.
- Judging Your “Cover” – When presenting yourself at networking events, remember that others will “judge your cover” before they “read” your business. You are your brand while you network. Consider presenting yourself in a way that others can make quick, correct assumptions about your professionalism, creativity, and work ethic.
- Cross Your T’s – Before the meeting, give yourself time to go above and beyond basic hygiene. Floss your teeth, put makeup on, shave your face, tweeze your eyebrows, etc. Taking the time to do this allows you to be more confident and secure throughout the event.
- Learn to Listen – Research tell us the average person listens for only 17 seconds before speaking again. While networking is about you telling others about your business, take time to listen as well. When others are talking, don’t just think about what to say next. Ask questions and truly care about what they are sharing. If they end up being a future colleague or client, your relationship will be built on kindness and consideration. Lock your phone in the car, so you aren’t constantly checking it each time it shakes, rattles, and rolls.
- Improve Your Communication – Brush up on your interpersonal skills and be conscious of what you need to work on. Some examples include how to improve your handshake, the best way to give out your business card, and how to better remember names.
- Make a Statement – Wearing a statement piece is a great way to initiate conversation. A great pair of shoes or a sharp tie can help move a conversation. One focal point of your appearance can even make it easier for others to approach you with a compliment, then leading into a conversation. Wearing a statement piece doesn’t mean something tacky that will diminish your professionalism; it’s simply an item that helps you be you!
- Perfect Your Pitch – You’ll need to introduce yourself quite a few times at typical networking events. Find the balance between not babbling on, yet fully explaining your company and services. Practice your pitch aloud to yourself or a friend beforehand. Avoid canned responses or ones that have people walking away wondering what you do. Also, consider adding the “why” to your pitch so others will know your passion.
Basic networking etiquette and kind interactions will allow you to comfortably introduce yourself and get to know others in your community. While the main goal in business is to make money, successful networking is professionally representing yourself and sharing your passion with your peers.
You can’t network if you aren’t there! Do some research to find networking meetings in your area. Often networking events are defined by industry, gender, political party, and geographical location. Find one that suits you and get out there!
