Networking is more than sending a connection request on LinkedIn. It is all about meeting new people and building relationships that have the potential to lead to partnerships, investments, talent, and growth opportunities.
It is important that you make yourself memorable to your new connections, and that you can remember the faces and their story. It can be daunting, walking into a room of strangers, but with the right strategy and approach, you can stand out in the crowd and leave a positive, lasting impression.
Find the right room
In order for networking to be a valuable experience, you need to make sure you will meet the right people. Do some research, check the audience that it aligns with what you are looking for and that you can take something away from the experience. Also go in with a target that you stick to, and speak to as many people as you can – you never know where the next opportunity might just lie.
Start a conversation
The simplest way is to introduce yourself to someone else who is looking for an in and strike a conversation with them. It really is as simple as it sounds, and the other person will appreciate you being friendly and saying hello. Look for areas in the room where people tend to congregate, like near the coffee or an information table. This will build your confidence and others may soon join you. When I meet someone new, I like to ask ‘What has brought you to this event?’ as a deeper first question that invokes a long answer with lots of details you can pick up on.
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Interject without being rude
Look for groups who have open body language, as if they are inviting people to join them, to give yourself a physical way you can involve yourself. If you have just arrived, that’s a great line to interrupt with ‘Hi, I’m ___, I’ve just arrived. Can I join this conversation?’.
Another way is to eavesdrop a little bit, listen to what they are talking about, and ask if you can join in on that topic: ‘Hi, are you talking about ___? What are your views?’ or adding your insight on that point. This will allow the conversation to keep flowing and shows you can add value.
The second question
Rather than asking small talk questions that only need short answers, like ‘where do you work, what do you do’, or ‘what do you specialise in’, I like to ask something that will really get my acquaintance talking and shows I’m genuinely interested. It’s this: ‘How did you decide to become ___?’. This will bring out a story that you will remember, because they will use emotion and speak with passion, and they will remember you for asking such a thoughtful question.
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Excusing yourself
No one wants to be stuck in a conversation that isn’t adding value, especially when there are other people in the room you want to speak to, and it can be equally hard to leave the conversation without interrupting or appearing rude. I’ve got a couple of lines that work really well to leave a positive impression and add value. Demonstrate you’ve been listening, and then ask to exchange contacts or introduce someone else in the room. This shows you are interested in them and are worth a follow up conversation.
Follow up
A really crucial step that lots of people miss out on. I always make sure I send a follow up message on LinkedIn or email, or even better a phone call, touching on the conversation we had and potential opportunities that may arise. This is a sure-fire way to make yourself stand out, and will help you remember someone for the next time you meet them.
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