If you find yourself wondering how to network better and make the most of your time spent at social events, you have come to the right place. So many of us have to attend countless luncheons, conferences and conventions throughout the year as part of our daily work. Not all of these are the conferences that we find interesting or choose to attend on our own accord. I will say, that there is the odd convention that I attend based on interest or sometimes even just based on location. But I do understand that I am the exception not the rule, and not many of us are out scouting for conferences to go let alone willingly looking for new people to talk to.
Meeting new people does not come easy to everyone. More often than not people DREAD attending these events, but they don’t have to be snooze fests or cookie cutter meetups. Even if you don’t find the program particularly riveting, do your best to network. But I am sorry to say if you are one of those people who hates these events, I doubt you’re going to find yourself getting out of them anytime soon. SO if you’re going to have to attend those compulsory work events, why not make the most of them. With these quick tips, I hope to have you on your way to better network at conferences.
Make eye contact
Seems simple right? Put your phone down and meet people. It can be so easy to keep glued to your phone with a whole bunch of emails you need to tend to, your slack chat buzzing and instagram stories to be watched, but it can wait. You’re going to need to look people in the eye to be able to meet them. Your phone is going to be there once you’ve exchanged pleasantries and of course, contact information. Plus, everyone loves to say that millenials hate looking people in the eye, so prove them wrong.
Smile
Your smile is the first thing people notice about you. This tip should be one that goes without saying, but a lot of people still have a problem with this, so I am going to say it anyways – smile and be approachable. NOBODY wants to come and talk to you if you have RBF. If you want to meet people, be cognisant of your smile and your body language. Once you make eye contact, greet the person with a smile. This tiny tip will do so much for your networking skills.
Network with your contacts first
If you are at a conference you likely know at least one other person, who knows someone else there. Let them introduce you to their network and vice versa. This is the best for those who have a hard time getting out of their comfort zone. Even if you don’t know anyone physically there, if you have a mutual connection with someone you know will be in attendance, ask for an e-introduction ahead of time. Everyone you meet, should lead you to meeting someone else. That’s what friends/connections are for. Don’t be afraid to ask for an introduction EVER.
Pay attention to the small stuff
People love to talk about themselves. When meeting someone, through the course of a natural conversation, allow them to share information about themselves and pay attention. Everyone you meet will share the name of their spouse or a humble brag about their kid. When they do, remember this information. Once you’ve exchanged contact information, in the notes of their contact in your rolodex write the personal detail. This gives you something to remember them by and it leaves a natural window for a follow up conversation. And WHATEVER YOU DO, do not be one of those people looking over the shoulder of the person you’re talking to for your next conversation. It is so important to give someone an honest minute of your time.
Exchange cards and follow up
It isn’t enough to just exchange cards and then throw them in a drawer for them to collect dust and get thrown out at your next spring cleaning. Make sure that within the next week of exchanging cards you give yourself a reason to send them a note. Keeping in touch is the whole point! Don’t forget to add them on LinkedIn after you follow up. It’s an easy way to keep the conversation going.
That’s it, that’s all I’ve got. Hopefully the next time you’re stuck at a stuffy convention or a conference where there are interesting people you have yet to meet, you keep these networking tips in mind. If you’re looking for more, I have some tips on books that will help you boost your performance, you can check them out here.
