麻豆传媒

Networking can seem like a daunting experience, especially when you don鈥檛 feel you have the tools necessary to be successful, or you haven鈥檛 experienced the true value of networking first-hand.

A big part of successful networking is the time you put into preparing for an event, your attitude and demeanor at an event, and your follow-up afterward. Plan-ahead and put your network to work with these nine easy tips:

Prepare

1. Create a Plan

Many networking events share a list of people or employers who will be attending. Make a list of the people you want to connect with during the event, then spend a little time researching their backgrounds, career paths and current projects. This way you'll make the most of your time building new relationships during the event.

2. Bring a 鈥淣etworking Buddy鈥�

Ask a friend to attend a networking event with you. A 鈥淣etworking Buddy鈥� can be a great source of encouragement at the event and can act as a 鈥渉ome-base鈥� between connections.

3. Practice your 鈥淓levator Pitch鈥�

The 鈥淓levator Pitch鈥� is best described as a 60 second commercial you create to introduce yourself to others. An 鈥淓levator Pitch鈥� is a great a way to differentiate yourself from others at an event while sharing your unique attributes. This technique has four key elements:

• Your name
• Your current position and the organization/institution you鈥檙e associated with
• Something unique about yourself (an expertise or a passion)
• A firm handshake

Attend

4. Networking & Food

Eat something light prior to an event (a small piece of dark chocolate can help with anxiety). If you eat something at the event, grab a small portion, and carry breath mints with you. Re-check yourself in the mirror; you don鈥檛 want to be the person with food in their teeth or greasy hands.

5. Use 鈥淭he Wedge鈥� Technique

While at a networking event, you might fall into some situations where you鈥檙e unsure of when and how to enter an existing conversation. Enter the "Wedge." This technique can be used if two guests are speaking together and maintain a 45 degree angle opening in their position to one another. Move in, introduce yourself to both guests and join the conversation.

Pro Tip: If you're flying solo, chances are someone else is too. So when the wedge technique isn't an option, look for someone else standing alone. Walk up, introduce yourself and start the conversation. And don't forget to leave your own 45 degree angle, chances are others will want to join you.

6. Take Business Cards

Business cards are a simple way professionals share their contact information with new acquanintances. If you don鈥檛 have business cards, don't fret.  You can easily and inexpensively make your own with an online service. When it comes to design, ensure that your name and contact information are legible. Highlight your expertise or industry somewhere on the card.

Pro Tip:  Seasoned networkers add the date and a conversation note to the back of business cards they receive during events. Notes help provide detail and context for post event follow-up.

Follow-up

7. Connect on Linkedin

LinkedIn is a profession and employment oriented social networking service.  It helps you manage your online professional identity, build and engage with your professional network, and follow industry insiders. Use LinkedIn as your first outreach to your new connection; add a personal note or reminder in the invitation to connect.

Pro Tip: Make sure that your LinkedIn profile is up to date before reaching out to new contacts. LinkedIn includes a link to your profile in the notification users receive when you invite them to connect. So,chances are your new connection will visit your profile before or after accepting your invitation.

8. Send an E-mail

Not everyone signs into their social networking sites daily.  If you send an LinkedIn invitation to connect, also send an email. Your email should include a reminder of how you met and an invitation to meet again in person. When you invite someone to meet in person, it is important that you provide 3-4 days/times that you are available so that your new contact can check their calendar and quickly schedule a meeting. 

9. Change-It-Up

If you e-mailed your new contact and/or sent an invitation to connect on LinkedIn more than a week ago and they haven鈥檛 reached out, try giving them a call. Be brief, but remind them who you are, where you first connected, and why you鈥檙e reaching out.

Pro Tip: In the age of technology, we have grown to expect immediate responses. Always remember to be patient and kind when reaching out to new contacts. Thank them in advance for their time and consideration, and give them time to reply to you.