Making a Networking Event Worth Your While

Networking is more than meeting people, elevator speeches and a stack of business cards. It’s about building relationships.

At a “networking” event, such as those given by the groups mentioned in my Oct. 19 posting or by a professional organization in your field, you will shake hands with many people, exchange short conversations and trade business cards.

Here are a few tips for making attending such an event more successful and meaningful:

• If the name badges are “do-it-yourself” stickers, write your name neatly and large for easy recognition.
• Attach your name badge on your right side so when you shake hands, those you are meeting can easily read it.
• Arrive early before the full crowd has assembled. It’s a good chance to have fuller conversations when the room is quieter.
• Hold back on the drinks, even if there is an open bar or drink specials. A tipsy networker is not a pretty picture.
• If there is food, have yours early on so you can greet people without a mouthful.
• Practice name recall by making introductions. The more you use a name, the better you remember it and the stronger the connection will be.
• Do not make the mistake of discounting the value of fellow jobseekers, who may prove to be your best advocates and scouts. These linkages can prove to be mutually beneficial and long-lasting.
• Do not ask for jobs, but rather listen to what people talk about, what their concerns are and what they are looking for.
• Make notes on the backs of business cards you gather to help you remember specifics about the people who gave them to you. Jot down their interests, goals, specialties or other notable facts.

Armed with a handful of cards, what do you do now? I will address that in my next post. Also, see these earlier posts on networking.