Now is not the time to be anxious or shy about meeting new people. For the last few years, I’ve been hearing “your network is your net-worth.” I have found this to be very true. When I got out of my own way and made meaningful connections, it equated to more resources.
You’d be surprise at how being in the rooms or sitting at tables can have a strong impact on your life. Allow your industry peers, influencers, and shot callers help you to secure the bag, sis.
Come prepared with a clear goal in mind
Before attending an event, ask yourself: “Who do I want to meet, and why?”
This works for me when I have details and are aware of who will be in attendance. You might discover potential clients, mentors, or employees you want to connect with. For example, years back I decided I wanted to do Sports PR. I snagged my first NFL client when he was in the draft. I pitched myself to do his football and jersey signing. In my mind, I knew there was a possibility other NFL players would come and support him. In my mind, I had to prepare to have conversations with them to gain more clients. It worked!!
Having a specific goal in mind will allow you to prepare effectively and keep you focused during networking events. It will make your conversations less ambiguous and lead to better alignment with your connections.
Have some conversation starters ready
Approaching a big or small group can be intimidating. With the right approach, you can join an existing conversation or start your own successfully. I kind of don’t like joining a group that’s already engaging in conversation. Why because I told y’all I cut people off lol. It’s even more awkward just standing there listening.
For me, this is the perfect opportunity to ease into introducing yourself to one person who is also flying solo and looking for someone to talk to.
In doing so, to strike a great conversation, be prepared. Ahead of time, read up on industry news and trends so you’ll be prepared to spark conversation and ask for other people’s thoughts on topics that are interesting to both of you. Or if this is just a random meetup for a girls day out you can ask questions like…
What brought you to this event?
How did you hear about it?
How well do you know the organizer?
What are you looking to get out of the event or this group?
What do you do for work?
Practice active listening
One of my biggest challenges of networking is learning how to actively listen to others. I’ll check out at any moment LOL. Or I’ll cut you off mid sentence. I know that’s terrible of me but I am working on it.
While networking some people focus too much on oversharing about themselves and not giving someone else the opportunity. This is essential for building strong relationships and it shows that we’re interested in what the other person has to say and that we’re paying attention.
One way to practice active listening is to paraphrase the other person’s statement. This signals to the other person that we understand them and shows that we’re engaged in the conversation. This works for me if I’m tuned in. Remember I told y’all I check out and people don’t even realize it. My friends fuss at me about this all the time.
Another technique is asking questions, which shows a genuine interest in others and invites them to keep engaging in conversation. This is my favorite thing to do. I don’t know if this is the journalistic or investigator qualities in me but, I am nosey FYI.
Follow up every time
If you want to make a lasting impression, you need to take the time to follow up with the people you meet. Networking can be a great way to make professional connections, but it’s only effective if you follow up. Usually, people will exchange business cards physically or digitally. One way I like to effectively follow up with people is by adding them on social media whether its Linkdin or Instagram you’ll know based off the setting and their personality what will work. Then I’ll send a personalized email or LinkedIn message within 24 hours of meeting them. This shows that you’re interested in keeping in touch. At some point, depending on what I want from them or if I want to get to know them better, I’ll invite them out to a juice bar or lunch.
