As though networking isn’t nerve wrecking enough, it’s pretty easy to forget some of the essential things that could turn the experience into a great one or a disaster.
In this article, I review 8 things that I make sure to remember for any networking event!
1: The Dress Code
I have definitely gone to a networking event at a venue for the first time and either overdressed or under dressed! It’s not a fun experience. The clothes you wear are an expression of self, and in general provide a message to the other person about the standards that you hold for yourself. And though this isn’t always fair, and we shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, professional environments seem to be strapped by an unspoken set of rules that most people abide by.
To play it safe, I always dress to the level of the venue, not the speaker or the topic. If you are going to an event on personal branding, where the speaker is casually dressed in a t-shirt with their brand on it, you still have to consider if this event is hosted on the 14th floor of a corporate building or the back meeting room of a community center, each deem their own separate dress codes.
2: Your Ticket
It is quite common to see that many events do not require you to show your ticket upon entry, but it is vital to either have it with you, or have it easily accessible via a digital platform.
Your ticket holds a host of information that goes beyond the simple topic of the event and the address. It holds important information such as the floor and room number, parking directions, the host’s name, directions to the room and more!
I always flag the event in my inbox, and connect the event to my Google calendar. In the Google calendar, you can even add notes to put any special event reminders directly in the event.
3: Parking Spot
It is easy to get twisted around in a new building while trying to find your way to the event room, so much so that you could even forget where you came in! I am guilty of this, and it’s a bummer to feel on top of the world after making a ton of new connections just to you run around a parking structure, weaving in and out of elevators trying to find your car!
Here is a great article on how to mark your parking spot on Google Maps to help keep this from happening to you.
Extra Tip: Don’t forget your debit card or some loose cash. Many parking structures require payment. If you weren’t expecting to pay but end up doing so, be sure to find the event facilitator to see if you can get your parking pass validated. The parking pass is another thing not to forget to take into the event with you!
4: Business Cards
Business cards are essential to take with you anywhere you go! I always have at least 3 in my wallet with a small stack in the car.
These little cards can make a mighty impact on your connections and having them on hand can set you up for success and bridge lasting relationships.
Putting time and effort into the look and feel of your business cards can be a great way to leave an impression with your new connections. To find out about how to spruce up your business cards and give them the purpose and punch they need to set you up for success, check out this article!
5: Gum
You never know how the seating arrangement will be in an event will be. Perhaps you are sitting at a large table or maybe you are inches apart from your neighbor in an overbooked room. Regardless, you want to make sure your bodily hygiene is together!
Pack a couple of pieces in your wallet or clutch to carry in with you.
6: Ipad/ Notepad and Pen
I NEVER leave home without this! Outside of expanding your network, you can learn so much from these events. Don’t let the chance to learn slip by, take great notes and use them to set up great conversation points for the next time you meet someone for coffee!
7: Elevator Pitch
“So what do you do?” As simple as this question may seem, it can take great practice to get the words just right to convey exactly what it is that you do.
Check out this great article by The Muse to learn how to nail your elevator pitch!
8: Conversation Starters/Continue-ers
Nothing is more awkward that standing next to someone new at a networking event and not knowing what to say. After explaining what you do, what side of town you live on, and how you found out about the event.. What else is do you say??
Here are three of my favorite ways to continue a conversation
Remember one thing about what they said while chatting through the initial conversation starters and ask them to expand on the information. “So earlier you said... “
Talk about networking. Ask them what other events they have gone to recently, and discuss events that you have attended and provide any recommendations on speakers that you’ve seen.
Whatever you do, do not complain or make negative comments. Again this is your first impression, keep the conversation light. Even if you felt that the directions to the room were terrible and you got all turned around trying to get there, you don’t have to mention that to someone you just met.
If you have nothing to say at all, you can always pay a compliment (as long as it is genuine).
And there you have it! Keep these things in mind, and you will be sure to rock any networking event you go to! For more great articles on how to network, check out this one!