How to get what you came for at a networking event

Don’t be afraid. Most people feel uncomfortable walking in a room full of strangers. It can truly scare you but just breathe. Practice and preparation will help you develop the skills necessary to work the room and maximize the effectiveness of talking those five minutes with business people. And since it is very awkward for many, if you do it great, you can build essential relationships with potential partners, employees, employers, venture capitalists, investors, customers, etc. After all, what they say is true: many times it comes down to who you know.

Here are some common sense tips on how you can get what you want from a networking event:

• Prepare in advance. Have a read through the event brochure and find out more about the program and who will be attending.
• Practice a short introduction that could be the ice- breaker and give out the essentials of your business, experience or interests. Prepare questions for the attendees, the host or the people relevant to you that you want to meet.
• Unless informed differently, dress for the occasion with a suit.
• Be confident and open-minded. Networking events could be a minefield, so do what most people do, go straight to the buffet, the bar and then your seat. Just joking! You can start with two-way conversations, saying your memorable introduction and then giving them a chance to describe what they do. One-on-one is easier as it often gets in a way naturally as long as someone does not spam the other person or look self-serving. Do not be afraid to talk upfront about what you aim to achieve from this event but not before you create a connection or reach common grounds with the encounters.
• When meeting a person, it is advisable to share hands and repeat their name. This is the only way to remember it, however, you need to be careful not to look like you struggle to remember the name as it might offend your companion.
• Be approachable, listen carefully and try to understand the product and services of the other party. There is nothing more polite than listening carefully and people will definitely remember you for a good reason.
• Try to give away your cards to as many people as possible, especially those who can be of closer importance for your cause.
• Do not fall into the trap to get stuck with people who you already know previously but instead maximize the odds by meeting as many good resources as possible.

After the event when you are back to your computer, save the information about your new contacts and try to explore the details you gathered further. You can use a contact management software that will help you organize your connections. Do not forget to follow up within 24 hours with those important people you want to keep in touch.

If you make these efforts then who knows, you might take the elevator to success.