Choosing the Right Networking Event to Attend
To network the right way, you have to know where to go. There are multiple special events that offer communications, lectures, and seminars, yet only a few of them seem to have a desirable effect. Today we are here to figure out how to choose the right ones for you.
Choose your type
First and foremost, we need to remember that there are several types of events. Each one presents a different opportunity and a specific circle of potential connections. For instance, there are speaking engagements, normally oriented at a particular industry. There are also roundtable events and workshops.
Right now, due to restrictions, the most popular ones are online meetings. While some of them leave you with limited possibilities, some offer an almost realistic experience. Connect.Club is one of those platforms, it allows you to present yourself and meet new people from anywhere in the world.
To choose the best event, you have to know the topic that interests you, a skill or knowledge you want to pick up along the way. Then you can pick something that checks all your boxes.
Choose the right style
There are formal networking events, and then there are informal ones. Do not be surprised to learn that some people are more comfortable in a formal atmosphere, where business talk is the main course. Speaking engagements allow you to shine during Q&A or make an impression with your knowledge presented properly. It’s also an opportunity to learn from and get some face-to-face time with industry leaders.
Roundtables, while border on informal style, allow you to speak and share creative ideas.
However, many of us would still rather communicate in a more relaxed environment. This is where all sorts of other events come in — there is breakfast networking, workshops, happy hour events, etc. These can help you connect to someone with similar interests and often the same goal. Events like that would be best for those seeking partners.
Where can you meet the people you need?
Don’t forget that aside from the headliners every event is full of interesting attendees. When you know who you are looking for, what kind of people do you wish to meet, it’s much easier to navigate these events. Think about what they might be looking for.
It would be much simpler to connect with a guest rather than a speaker, so your task is to follow the mindset of the people you would like to introduce yourself to.
It might sound a little intense, but you go where they go, you learn what they learn, and you catch them off guard.
Ask around
Never underestimate the power of your existing network. Your friends, acquaintances, former classmates, they all form a net of your connections. And most of the time you might even not know what they do and who they associate with. There is no better time to find out! Ask them what they would recommend, ask if they know anyone in the field, etc. Don’t be afraid to utilize what you have to achieve what you want.
Above all, remember that your weak-tie connections have to be maintained. So ask your college friend for coffee, or just call to chat from time to time.
Don’t let yourself get stuck
The last thing to remember is that no matter how much you like the people you meet right away, you can’t allow yourself to get stuck. There is no point in attending networking events if you are planning on spending time with the people you already know. Have your eyes on the prize, as they say. Meet someone new, because every single person presents a unique perspective, and even if you aren’t going to become best friends and partners in crime, there is still something to learn from each one. It could be a success story, it could be a tale of failure, and sometimes it’s just realizing that this is a person you’d want to steer clear of.
There is something to learn from every acquaintance.
