If you have taken the time, trouble and possible expense to attend a networking event, you want to make sure you do everything you can to get the most out of your time.
Here are some top tips so you are fully prepared.
Prior to the event:
Be prepared
- Get business cards ready.
- Make sure you have enough and that they are up to date with your current information.
- Pack a spare pen in your bag
- I have lost track of the number of times I have been asked for a pen by people who have either not got one, or whose pen has have run out of ink! Make sure you have one on you.
- Pack a notepad
- Exactly the same as above. Have something to write on.
Have questions prepared
Research the subject being covered if there is one and have questions prepared in advance. Are there any particular questions you have for your business or yourself personally? Have them ready so you don’t forget on the day.
Plan your clothing
What image do you want to portray? Even at dress down events you will still be representing your company so dress accordingly. You want to make sure you are wearing something comfortable so you don’t start to fidget. And layers are always a good option should the room get too hot or too cold.
Plan your journey
Make sure you know the route and allow for any diversions etc. You don’t want to turn up on the day dishevelled and anxious from getting lost on route.
On the day:
Arrive early
This will give you the opportunity to introduce yourself to a few people before the event kicks off and also allows you to get a decent seat where you will be able to see and hear the speaker more clearly if it’s a large group.
Be on time
And if you can’t get there early, at least arrive on time. It is annoying and distracting to others when people turn up late and this may create a negative impression upon you. If there are breakout sessions throughout the day, again, make sure you turn up on time. It is unfair on others for the speaker to have to go over with you what has already been covered.
Ask for business cards
If you meet someone and you think they would be a good contact to have, ask for their card and of course, give them yours.
Abide by the rules of etiquette
Be aware of basic etiquette rules when attending a networking event. Don’t be seen as discourteous to the speaker and others around you by chatting, whispering, constantly coughing and sneezing or taking calls on your mobile phone. I would hope these rules were obvious but not according to the people I meet on a continual basis at events.
Deal with etiquette offenders
If you have someone chatting next to you and whispering in your ear, politely ask them to be quiet and tell them you are trying to listen. Hopefully, they will understand the interruption they are causing and will allow you to be able to pay attention. And I can guarantee others on your table with thank you.
Stay alert
It can be difficult not to become tired and start to fall asleep if it’s a long networking event. To help, eat as lightly as possible during the day and avoid heavy lunches and particularly alcohol. Keep hydrated and take your own water just in case any water laid on runs out before a break. Sit up straight and breathe deeply to keep your brain oxygenated. During any breaks try and get outside for some fresh air.
Take notes
Whether using old fashioned pen and paper, on a tablet or by using a recording device, have some way of taking notes for future reference. There is no way that you will remember everything. Ask the organisers if they can send you the slides after the event (it is a good idea to ask the organisers prior to the event if this is possible so you don’t spend your time taking down salient points that you will get by email at a later date.)
Stay late
By not rushing off you may just make that contact you were hoping for or pick up some additional information that early leavers will have missed.
Say thank you
If you have enjoyed the event, just say a quick thank you to the keynote speaker and the event organiser. Common courtesy will help you stand out from the others who dashed off quickly and didn’t extend their appreciation.
After the event:
Update your database
Before you forget who people are, add the details from the business cards you have collected to your database. Put a personal note on each so that you can easily remember who people are.
Make contact
Don’t just put those contact details in a database and forget them. Drop each person a quick line to say how nice it was to meet them and how you look forward to speaking with them again in the future. A nice touch that will help people remember you for the future.
Be social
Use social media to post/tweet/blog about the event. By tagging people you have met during the day you can gain interaction on your site and help raise your profile visibility.
Take action
There is no point in taking the time and trouble to attend a networking event if you never put your learning into action. Block out time after the event to go through your notes and action any points you have learnt.