10 Must-Have Networking Tips for 2024
Take these on board to win at Networking
1. Plan and Prepare in advance
Make sure you have a fluent and brief pitch to share with others when you introduce yourself. Practice in front of the mirror and with friends or colleagues. Become comfortable with it so that it is natural and doesn’t sound contrived.
However, if you don’t feel fluent or confident with your pitch then go along anyway and try your best.
Some of us are perfectionists and we’ll never have it exactly right. If we wait until we’re totally satisfied we’ll never attend any events! Think of this as an opportunity to practice and refine/modify your pitch.
2. Take an interest in the other person
Try and find out in advance who else is going along. That way you can make a shortlist of people you would specifically like to meet. You can ask the host to be introduced to them.
Ask them gently engaging questions. So that it doesn’t feel like an interrogation or barrage of questions. Find out about them and their business(es). Be genuinely curious. And listen — don’t interrupt. Let them ask questions too — don’t dominate and make it one-sided. Be respectful and courteous.
3. Who dares wins — challenge your negativity
Sometimes you might book to go to a networking event in advance. When the time comes you feel reluctant to go. Maybe you feel anxious, like an imposter, tired, not in a confident mood to meet people. And usually many others who signed up for the event will be feeling the same.
But recognise and tune in to these feelings. Unless you’re feeling unwell for example, consider pushing through these feelings. Once there you can pat yourself on the back — you challenged yourself and won.
4. Your network is your net worth
A network is built up over time. But it doesn’t build itself. You have to be proactive in reaching out to people and engaging with them. And staying in touch from time to time.
5. People will forget what you said but they’ll remember how you made them feel
People often remember emotional experiences rather than facts. Especially when your business concept is not obvious. Or it’s difficult to follow or understand. Also, there might be too many other similar businesses in the room and factual details can merge.
What people do remember is the feeling they came away with. You have the ability to influence that positively or negatively.
“They may forget what you said — but they will never forget how you made them feel.” — Carl W. Buehner
6. Don’t expect to get business on the first meeting
Networking is about relationship building over time. It’s not about making a quick sale. It’s about building trust and understanding.
That’s why follow-ups are essential to nurture those embryonic relationships.
7. Don’t be in a rush when networking
This creates a bad feeling for the other person and can make them feel unimportant and rushed. They might feel they’re just a resource for your convenience.
Don’t be a victim of FOMO — fear of missing out. Some people want to “collect” as many contacts as possible in one session.
But with this attitude it’s difficult to keep track of whom you spoke to and what was special or interesting about them. Instead, listen and share (talk) in the correct proportion — see point 2.
8. Help others to network and make new connections
It’s not just about you. Don’t just think about why it would be good to connect with them. When you’re networking you can ask someone what sort of person they’re looking to meet.
Be aware of who else you can introduce them to that would make a good fit for them and the other person. If you can connect others together they will be most appreciative. And that feels good. This actually happened to me last week.
9. Your follow up tasks
For your personal record note down as soon as possible the details of everyone whom you met. This includes not only their name, but what they do, where they’re from. And other details that they might have shared with you. This helps us develop an interest in each another and build ongoing relationships.
Tip: You can do this on the journey home if travelling by public transport.
You will still be in the “mindset” space of the event and will be able to replay the conversations far more easily than if you leave it until the following day.
When you go to another event you can glance over these notes to jog your memory beforehand.
10. Follow up with people afterwards
Send them an email or message them to stay in touch. Relationship-building doesn’t happen overnight. It needs to be nurtured.
Do this as soon as you can. The longer you leave it the colder that initial relationship gets. People have busy lives and if you leave it a few days you might be just a distant memory and they are less likely to respond.
It’s like a freshly-boiled kettle — don’t let it get cold!
You can also arrange a one-to-one meetup at some point — soon — to build your connection.
Bonus Tip: Don’t be “clingy”
Respect time for yourself and the other person by letting them “work the room” and have a chance to have varied conversations.
We might not feel very comfortable when networking. Especially if we’re new to it. If we’re engaging with someone be mindful not to spend too long and “corner” them. You can arrange to meet them separately, outside the event, as mentioned.
I hope these tips are useful. What tips, and good/bad experiences, of your own can you share regarding networking?
