Networking is a very important skill to master. It not only enables people to meet others but can also lead to job opportunities, expanded business contacts, new clients, and heightened confidence. However, anyone who’s ever looked for networking events knows how challenging a feat it can be.
As an entrepreneur who relies on networking to expand my contacts and client base, I’ve become an expert in not only finding networking events, but finding effective networking events, and the ones best for me. Below, I will share three tips for identifying the best networking functions for you.
Step One: Determine Why You Want to Network
Know what you seek to gain. Are you looking for new clients? New business partners? Sponsors? Associates in similar industries to form alliances with? Depending on your expectations, you should select events that will help you accomplish your specific goals. Not only is it important to perform research to learn about the event’s hosts, but also try to figure who has been invited. With the popularity of the Internet, it may even be possible to find reviews from past events. Since it is more important to attend quality events, rather than a large quantity of events, it is essential to be diligent in doing research to ensure you’re attending the events where you will be more likely to reach your goals and meet the people you want to meet.
Step Two: Decide Where You Will Network
Just as it’s important to know why you want to network, it’s equally important to know where to network. With the influx of social media channels, in person connecting has become a lost art. However, most experts agree face-to-face networking is, generally, more effective because of the personal connections made.
Consider joining an email newsletter distribution list for businesses or companies you are interested in. From time to time, these newsletters may contain information related to upcoming events that may fit your needs. Also, becoming a member of your respective industry/trade organization is another sure way to stay abreast of what’s going on within your career field. People also tend to forget about the powerful connections of their alumni networks. Does your Alma Mater have an alumni association that meets regularly? Consider attending a meeting and joining. As you begin to get more involved in these intimate, focused groups, it is likely you will become more privy to more inside information and may get invited to a lot more events.
Step Three: Choose an Event that Matches Your Personality
Personality plays a huge role in networking comfort. If you are a bit reserved, or if you are networking for the first time, it may be a good idea to find events that are intimate in size. Or you may want to try an event where networking is facilitated. However, if you’re more outgoing, you may want to attend a huge trade-type event where you’ll have several hours to meet endless numbers of people. Be sure to do your research to determine the format of the event. Also, if you’re not sure what works best for your personality, try varying the type of event you attend to determine what’s most suitable.
Remember, networking is a very personal experience, and different functions will work best for different people. No one is born with a networking gene; networking is an acquired skill. However, with a little research, proper planning, and practice, anyone can be a networking guru in no time and understand which events are best for them!
-Alecia D.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment