Tips for Networking

We’ve all been there. You’re told to attend a business event with a networking dinner, and for a brief but nauseating moment, a tiny shiver runs down your spine as you think of ways to get out of it. But in business, and every stage of your career, networking is a must if you want to stay relevant and discover new opportunities. So here are a few pointers to help you not only survive your next networking event but also make the most of it.

Goals & Priorities

Before you start introducing yourself or handing out business cards, think about what you’d like to accomplish, and set a few goals. Perhaps your goal is to meet three people in a certain type of business and to hold a meaningful conversation with each of them. A second goal could be to set up a coffee or lunch meeting with one of those people to discuss how you can help each other.

Give & Receive

Whether your goal is to scout out future employment or to add to your network of business associates, remember to be generous with your offers to help others along. If you’re always thinking of yourself and how you might climb the corporate ladder, you won’t get far. People can smell desperation and a “me” attitude. Generosity, on the other hand, is appealing to other people. So when you meet someone, think about how can you help that person and who among your associates and friends would benefit from knowing them.

Names

There’s nothing worse than not remembering a person’s name or—equally embarrassing—someone not remembering yours. So when you introduce yourself, say your name clearly. Remember, if you’re in a crowded space with a hundred people all talking at once, hearing anything clearly is going to be a challenge. If your name happens to be challenging at the best of times, offer your business card so the person can see how your name is spelled. Repeating someone’s name twice in conversation will also help cement it into your memory.

Today’s Receptionist, Tomorrow’s President

Connections come from anywhere and everywhere and, often, when you’re not expecting them. So don’t just introduce yourself to the CEOs, presidents and the like. Clerks, receptionists, personal assistants and mailroom staff know as many people as the senior officials do, and they have everyday contact with those decision makers. Remember, too, that a receptionist isn’t always going to be a receptionist. You may find that later on he or she will be holding a vital position in a company you need to partner with.

Business Cards

Business cards handed out like confetti at a wedding will end up like confetti at a wedding: on the floor and in the garbage. A good rule to follow is this: if you’re asked for your card, give one. If you’re not asked, don’t offer. If giving out cards is your goal, make your interactions meaningful: be a good listener, ask good questions and refrain from monopolizing the conversation. And if you’ve asked for the other person’s card, jot a few notes on it as soon as he or she has walked away so that you can remember your conversation more clearly.