A Student’s Survival Guide to Networking

Here we go again. Or perhaps it is your first time? You are excited, enthusiastic and buzzing to attend this networking event you have heard about. Or maybe you have been pressured, dragged along and absolutely coerced into attending. It is also fair to assume that the phrase ”It is not always what you know but who you know.” is also quite familiar to you. And to think, simply having someone in your network could be the subtle positive difference that takes you to the next level of your career.

No matter how you feel about networking events, you must always be prepared.

You are on a journey. And every journey needs a guide. I have been to a fair share of networking events. Each one, a new expedition. Some, of many triumphs and others, of battle wounds and scars. However, the more networking events I attend, the more I learn about the rules and the tactics. The Pros and the Cons.The Do’s and Do Not’s. This is my survival guide to networking.

The Preparation

Going to a networking event without any preparation is akin to being blindfolded. I need you to see why it is that the event is taking place, and how it may well benefit you.

Usually, networking events are based around a particular theme. Often surrounding something topical such as a charitable initiative or improving employability — but all under a rather fancy name.

E.g.

Example Media Presents: The Future of the Creative Industry + Q&A session.

Ideally, what we would like to do is read up everything we can on the people running the event and the theme. If it is business you would read about the partners/executives or if it was a talk then you would read up on the speakers. It is vital that we are in the know about the event, its purpose and how it relates to ourselves and our own career paths. Once we identify this, it will help us in the near future when we go on to talk to speakers and attendees at the event.

I always, always bring a notepad along with ample space to write down notes and key ideas. It also helps if I am unable to speak to individuals I would have liked to later on. I do this because I am able to write down their names and pursue a “follow-up” after the event. Networking events are gold mines for creative thinking and reflection. Hearing stories serves as an opportunity to learn from the mistakes and successes of others and then emulating the positives into your own life.

Note: Business cards are very handy and have served me very well – time and time again. And I never leave home without them. They save time in a time-constrained environment, they summarise my personal brand, they show professionalism and preparedness.

The Event

Fantastic. You have made it. You are here and well prepared. What now? It is likely that there are two ”networking” opportunities at the event. One before the talk, that tends to take place, and one after the talk. If you can, be there well before the talk takes place. I call it the ice-breaker stage. An opportunity to speak to individuals running the event, find your peers or just a have a friendly chat with another attendee to settle the nerves. You can be sure other people are nervous also. Do not be afraid to approach people.

The talk segment of a networking event is very important and should have your undivided attention. The reason for this is because it is a chance to understand the journeys of the speakers at the event. Perhaps they have been through what you will be going through soon and you may want some things clarified by them. Or, they are leading a new initiative/scheme/project that has piqued your interest — you could find out how you can get involved.

It is advantageous to attend these events with a growth mindset and forward-thinking. How can I get to where I need to be and, can individuals in my network help me get there? We need to be open-minded to new opportunities and relish the prospect of meeting new people. They may not have the means to help you here and now or even at all, but may know someone who could help. I have found that this is often the case.

Now you may be sold on the idea of networking. But on the other hand, you are unsure on where to even begin once you find yourself in this space. That is why I use the 100/10/1 plan. A plan I use as a target to maximise the chance of benefiting from attending.

The 100/10/1 Plan

When at a networking event, it is very near impossible that you will talk to everyone that attends. That is why the 100/10/1 plan is ideal.

In a room full of a hundred people, we should aim to speak to around ten people. And out of those ten people we are most likely to want to continue the conversation with at least one of those people. We call this the ”Follow-up.”

Note: Things do not always go according to plan and often we may find that we are not able to reach the follow-up stage. However, this plan is based on consistency and a strive to continually increase your network. Consistency increases the chances of getting new opportunities. So if at first you don’t succeed. Try and try again.

The Follow-up

If not the most important part of attending networking events, the follow-up is a key part. I have found that what we do after the networking event truly determines how much we benefited from it.

You have now been able to identify the one person. A person who is very willing to help you and is keen to continue the conversation you had about your career path and aspirations. It is encouraged to follow-up and, continue the conversation as soon as possible. I would say that this time is the following week and no later. Now, the follow-up should look similar to this:

• Sending an email/message about having met at the event, summarise what was said and ask to meet once more and talk if possible. Be given the time to ask questions about opportunities and advice on what to do next.
• Being transparent. Transparency is essential because you need to be genuine and open about where you are at in terms of your career path and what you need help with. This allows them to best ascertain in what way they can help you with.
• Bank on your strengths. When you have the opportunity to sit down and talk to them, make sure to explain what you are good at and what experiences you are searching for.
• Lastly, talk about your plans for the future. Your aspirations, your ideal job and the industry you would like to work in.

This is a back and forth process to help you understand the individual’s position to help you. And to help you to understand how you can get to where you want to be. This process is a proven one and is a good example of how most professional relationships start. My network has grown from strength to strength because of this process of continually being advised and sometimes being the adviser to others also.

Rinse and Repeat

We continue this process over and over again. Before you know it you will be one of the speakers at these events you find yourself attending. What I found is that, as my network grows and I grow with it also. My network has provided me with many, many opportunities and I have been able to build this network both online and offline due to consistency and determination. Wanting to meet new people but, also building meaningful connections in the process. Your network serves as a catapult that shoots you to where you want to be. A foundation that allows you to build your ideal career. Everything that begins with a strong foundation is almost destined to succeed or at the very least has the opportunity to do so.