If you’re reading this, you probably already know that the relationships built at networking events have the potential to generate the game-changing opportunities you need to take your organization to the next level.
The problem isn’t knowing that networking is important; it’s knowing how to get the most out of those events so many people dread.
If you’re anything like I was, the idea of walking up to a stranger and striking up a conversation may feel daunting, and that’s exactly what I aim to tackle here: The art of the approach.
Because, in my experience, most people don’t need to be told how to hold a conversation once it’s been started. The real challenge comes simply in initiating the interaction, getting over that fear, walking up to someone, shaking their hand, and beginning a conversation.
Below, you’ll find 9 networking event tips to quickly master the art of the approach and own the room.
Note: This quick-reference guide is meant to be an accompaniment to our more detailed eBook, Networking Events Demystified: 9 Rules to Nail Networking Conversations Every Time. We highly recommend starting there if you haven’t read the book yet. You can download a copy for free here:
9 Powerful Networking Event Tips
#1: Starting Off Strong: Talk to the First Person You See
Keep in mind: The standard you set at the start of your networking event is likely the standard you’ll keep for the duration of the event, so it’s important to start off strong. With that in mind, don’t make the mistake of spending the first 15-20 minutes looking for the “right person” to talk to.
More important is simply finding a person to talk to. Maybe it’s the woman you see as you’re walking from the parking lot to the venue. Maybe it’s the person in front of you in the registration line. Or maybe it’s the first person you see when you walk in the doors.
It doesn’t matter specifically who it is or even if the conversation is especially valuable; the goal is simply to start networking from minute one.
#2: Find Your Flow by Feeding Your Natural Curiosity
To get the most out of any networking event, you have to genuinely want to be there. If you don’t, people can tell, and this will hamper your ability to connect with others.
The easiest way to cultivate that genuine desire is to make a conscious decision to be curious. Curiosity is the most powerful word when it comes to building relationships, so I recommend choosing one topic, in particular you want to learn about and using your next networking event as an opportunity to do just that.
Need a little help? For a number of great curiosity prompts, check out chapter #2 in Networking Events Demystified.
#3: Get Out of Your Own Way with the 5-Second Rule
The 5-second rule is simple: Once you make eye contact with someone, you have 5 seconds to go and talk to them. Period.
It’s the simplest, most straightforward way to get over your brain’s natural tendency to overthink the situation, which often leads to what I call networking paralysis—better known as being that person who stands alone in a corner, looking for the “right person” and the “perfect” thing to say (and often ultimately saying nothing to no one).
#4: Walk in Ready-to-Network with a Standard Conversation Starter
Feel like you never know what to say? Take the pressure off yourself by picking a standard, repeatable, one-size-fits-most conversation starter. Keep in mind, that you don’t need to blow anyone away with your opening question; you’re just looking to start conversations.
Here are a few tried-and-true networking event tips:
- Play it safe with something standard like, “What brings you here today?”
- Practice Positive Alacrity with a genuine comment like, “Hey, I really like [something you appreciate about them].”
- Break the mold with something unique like, “I’m trying to find out what other entrepreneurs do to recharge. Do you mind if I ask how you spent your last weekend?”
Still feeling stumped? Check out the extended list of networking event tips in Networking Events Demystified.
#5: Want To Stand Out? Ditch, “So, What Do You Do?”
One caveat: Don’t let your opening question be, “So, what do you do?” This question reduces the other person to little more than their job title and potential economic value—and that’s not the first impression you want to make.
Still want to find out? Don’t worry: Someone’s job title tends to naturally come up over the course of a conversation. But if you want to take a more direct approach, try asking about their professional challenges or current projects. This should give you a pretty clear indication of their role.
#6: Got a Conversation Going? Don’t Forget the 5-Minute Rule
Remember: The goal of a networking event isn’t to get to know one person really well; it’s to interact with as many high-quality individuals as possible.
With that in mind, don’t let yourself get caught up in an extended conversation—even if it’s someone you’re enjoying talking to.
Try to limit your networking event conversations to a maximum of five minutes. This enables you to get maximum coverage of the event, increasing the likelihood that you’ll come across those “diamond in the rough” connections.
And if you get stuck with a “talker” who just won’t let you slip away? Use the disengagement practices we discuss in Networking Events Demystified.
#7: Always, Always Debrief Those High-Value Interactions
Over the course of a networking event, you’ll likely talk to a lot of people and learn a ton of new information: Names, titles, interests, and unique challenges, just to name a few.
If you don’t take the time to mentally offload that information throughout the event, you’ll likely end up forgetting key information about the people you connected with. That’s why I recommend you find a quiet corner to debrief your interactions after every three conversations.
Try and capture key information like action items, professional challenges, and personal interests. For more on performing a high-quality debrief, check out 1 Simple Tactic to Supercharge Your Meetings and Deepen Your Relationships.
#8: Proactively Seek Opportunities to Reconnect Beyond the Networking Event
One last time: Networking events exist to initiate relationships, not deepen them. To really develop these connections, you need to extend the relationship beyond the initial networking interaction.
If, over the course of your initial interaction, you start to feel like this person might be worth building a relationship with, become intentional about setting a follow-up interaction. This could be as simple as uncovering a professional challenge and then offering to help them troubleshoot it over lunch sometime.
#9: Don’t Leave Without 5 “Next Steps”
Here’s the best of our networking event tips: If you want your next networking event to be a success, don’t leave without a minimum of 5 “next steps,” action items, or new connections. These next steps can be anything, including:
- Commitments you made to someone,
- New high-potential relationships, or
- Scheduled follow-up interactions.
When you go in with this mindset, you’ll likely surprise yourself: Often, you’ll end up leaving with a whole lot more than just 5.
Remember: Opportunity May Only Be One Connection Away
And there you have it: The top 9 networking event tips that caused this introvert to love networking.
But before we wrap up, here’s a question: When was the last time you tried something new and mastered it effortlessly and instantly? It probably doesn’t happen often.
The same is true for networking. Believe it or not, networking is a skill. And, like any skill, it may feel a little awkward at first. You’re probably going to make mistakes, drop the ball, or break the “5-second” rule.
That’s okay. In fact, it’s expected. So when it happens, don’t beat yourself up. Don’t tell yourself, “Networking events just aren’t for me.” Don’t leave early. When you make a mistake, choose to celebrate your successes, even if that success is as simple as “I showed up today.” For many people, that alone is a huge victory.
So don’t sell yourself short or cheat yourself out of valuable learning, growth, and relationship opportunities. Show up and engage enough, and I can practically guarantee that one of the relationships you begin at a networking event will lead to a breakthrough opportunity in your life or business.
And don’t forget to review the full ebook of networking event tips before your next networking event!
