Networking events are a great way to meet new people, build contacts, and expand your network. But it’s important to know how to conduct yourself when attending a networking event. Here are some pro tips that can help you make the most of your experience!
Prepare Beforehand
Before attending any networking event, it’s important to be prepared. Dress appropriately for the event—business casual is usually a safe bet. Have plenty of business cards on hand so you can easily exchange contact information with new contacts. And set goals for yourself — decide how many contacts you want to make and why you are attending the event in the first place.
Arrive Early
When attending a networking event, always try to arrive early. Not only will this give you the opportunity to engage with new contacts before everyone else arrives, but it also shows that you respect other people’s time and are eager to get started.
Focus on New Contacts
When talking to other attendees, try focusing on making new contacts instead of catching up with old friends or existing contacts – save this for later in the night when things start winding down.
It’s always nice to see familiar faces and friends at these events, and it can be comfortable to simply speak to them while you’re there. But, letting your existing contact know that it’s great seeing them, and that there are a few other people you need to catch up with will be completely understandable.
Remember, you have goals for the event that you’re attending.
Ask Engaging Questions
When introducing yourself and getting into conversations at the networking event, ask engaging questions like “Where are you from?” or “How did you end up in this area?” You can also ask questions about their business such as “What’s your favorite thing about your job each week?” or “What was the best vacation you ever had?”
This will show that you’re genuinely interested in getting to know them and that they’re not just another face in the crowd. It also allows them to open up while still connecting professionally – which could lead into further conversations down the line.
Care about their responses. Listen to and remember their answers. It’s important to genuinely be interested in what your contact is saying, and it will also help with growing a relationship should that opportunity be on the table.
Follow Up
After the event is over, don’t forget to follow up with those people who caught your interest.
Send them an email thanking them for their time and mentioning something from your conversation together — this will show that you were paying attention and truly value their presence at the event. If there’s an opportunity, don’t be afraid to ask if they’d like to take things further — like grabbing coffee sometime — as this could result in even more opportunities down the road.
Final Thoughts
Networking events are a great way for business owners and community leaders alike to meet new people, gain valuable insight on their industry, and build relationships with potential partners or collaborators.
By following these pro tips for how to conduct yourself at a networking event, such as preparing beforehand, setting goals for yourself, arriving early and focusing on new contacts while asking engaging questions & following up afterwards – you’ll be sure have a successful experience & come away with valuable connections.
Networking events are a great way to meet new people, build contacts, and expand your network. But it’s important to know how to conduct yourself when attending a networking event. Here are some pro tips that can help you make the most of your experience!
Prepare Beforehand
Before attending any networking event, it’s important to be prepared. Dress appropriately for the event—business casual is usually a safe bet. Have plenty of business cards on hand so you can easily exchange contact information with new contacts. And set goals for yourself — decide how many contacts you want to make and why you are attending the event in the first place.
Arrive Early
When attending a networking event, always try to arrive early. Not only will this give you the opportunity to engage with new contacts before everyone else arrives, but it also shows that you respect other people’s time and are eager to get started.
Focus on New Contacts
When talking to other attendees, try focusing on making new contacts instead of catching up with old friends or existing contacts – save this for later in the night when things start winding down.
It’s always nice to see familiar faces and friends at these events, and it can be comfortable to simply speak to them while you’re there. But, letting your existing contact know that it’s great seeing them, and that there are a few other people you need to catch up with will be completely understandable.
Remember, you have goals for the event that you’re attending.
Ask Engaging Questions
When introducing yourself and getting into conversations at the networking event, ask engaging questions like “Where are you from?” or “How did you end up in this area?” You can also ask questions about their business such as “What’s your favorite thing about your job each week?” or “What was the best vacation you ever had?”
This will show that you’re genuinely interested in getting to know them and that they’re not just another face in the crowd. It also allows them to open up while still connecting professionally – which could lead into further conversations down the line.
Care about their responses. Listen to and remember their answers. It’s important to genuinely be interested in what your contact is saying, and it will also help with growing a relationship should that opportunity be on the table.
Follow Up
After the event is over, don’t forget to follow up with those people who caught your interest.
Send them an email thanking them for their time and mentioning something from your conversation together — this will show that you were paying attention and truly value their presence at the event. If there’s an opportunity, don’t be afraid to ask if they’d like to take things further — like grabbing coffee sometime — as this could result in even more opportunities down the road.
Final Thoughts
Networking events are a great way for business owners and community leaders alike to meet new people, gain valuable insight on their industry, and build relationships with potential partners or collaborators.
By following these pro tips for how to conduct yourself at a networking event, such as preparing beforehand, setting goals for yourself, arriving early and focusing on new contacts while asking engaging questions & following up afterwards – you’ll be sure have a successful experience & come away with valuable connections.
Published on March 28, 2023
About the Author: Chris Williams
