BD Time Out: 4 Tips to be More Successful at Networking Events

Attending a conference, awards program or networking event? Here are 4 tips to follow so you can be more successful:

1.     Have a Plan

Before you decide to attend, focus on your purpose for attending and ask yourself these questions:

• Is there anyone in particular that you'd like to meet (do your research ahead of time)?

• Is there specific information that you are looking to gather?

Having a plan will make it easier for you to focus your attention and make it more likely that you will be successful.

2.     Practice

Despite how easy a quick introduction at a networking event would seem, people often stumble over it. Practice introducing yourself with confidence so you don’t waste the opportunity to make a good first impression.

• Speak loudly, slowly and clearly enough to be heard and understood.  

• Enunciate and speak with energy. 

• Stand up straight, smile and make eye contact with the person you're introducing yourself to.

3.     Listen

Good networkers listen more than they talk. Resist the urge to dominate the conversation and instead, follow this process:

• Ask open-ended questions; these questions often begin with "how" or "what" and require more than a "yes/no" answer. 

• Actually listen to the answers. 

• Demonstrate that you are listening by your non-verbal communications, for example, by making eye contact and nodding.

4.     Be Confident

If you hate networking and are uncomfortable schmoozing with people, recognize that many others feel just as uncomfortable as you do.

• Look for someone standing alone.  

• Go introduce yourself. It's okay to say, "I don't think I know anyone here yet."

• Most likely, they’ll be grateful for the introduction – and you may just make a great professional connection! 

Following these 4 tips will help you get more out of the event and build your professional network.