Networking is the key to so much success. It has helped us build our personal businesses, leading the way to bigger and better opportunities. For most people, networking is a daunting task. So many thoughts run through your mind: "What should I wear?" "Who should I talk to?" "How long should I mingle?" All of these thoughts are valid and we are here to share with you the art of networking at an event with these easy and helpful tips.
Wear something cute & bright.
It may sound like surface stuff, but sparking a conversation about your outfit is a sure fire way to successfully start a conversation. More than likely you are going to hear "Omg, I love your outfit!" and boom there is your foot in the door. Similarly, you complimenting someone you want to chat with is a great way to ease into a legitimate conversation. Rent The Runway is an awesome place to rent a classic, cute, bright dress for a networking event.
Let the other person speak about themselves first.
Even if you're dying to speak with someone important who could help you with your business or help you land a job, learn about THEM first. Ask them about what they do and their interests and then slowly segue into who you are and what you're hoping to get from them. It takes it from being a boring "elevator pitch" to a meaningful conversation.
Bring your business cards (even if you don't have a business, per sé).
Business cards are the face of who you are as a business or as a person. Many people make the mistake of thinking that business cards are only for established businesses....WRONG! YOU are a business too. Selling yourself is important so create a business card that displays you, your interests, and your contact information. Look at your business card as your mini résumé!
Be selective.
Just because you are at networking event, doesn't mean that you have to talk to every single person. You will exhaust yourself and chances are, the event won't allot you that much time to have meaningful conversations with everyone. With that being said, do your research beforehand and strategically think of who you want to spend your time networking with.
Bring a friend with different interests than yours.
It is all about tag teaming when you bring a friend with you to a networking event. It is best to bring a friend who does not have the same exact interest as you, that way you're not feeling like you're competing with each other. You can both help each other work the crowd. Not only will they make you feel more comfortable because you actually know someone in the crowd, but you can use them to help with conversations. They can highlight things about you in conversation and make connections as they network too.
Now, you should be ready to take networking by the reigns and shine. Do you have any helpful tips that you use to make networking easier? Then, share with us below in the comments!
Happy Networking!
