Preparing for a Networking Event
There are a few things that most of us can agree upon when it comes to networking.
We really don’t want to do it.
We don’t think that we have the time for it.
We have no idea what we’re going to get from it.
We haven’t planned to maximize the opportunity.
Small talk is, well, small talk. We’re seldom asked what we’re looking for and seldom offer our assistance to anyone.
Finding a point of entry into an already formed group of networkers can be awkward.
Your elevator pitch gets boring even to you after the “x” time that you’ve said it.
Loitering at the buffet or bar gets you eye contact but little else.
Bringing someone with you defeats the purpose if you remain side-by-side throughout the evening.
Following up with folks we’ve met is yet another time-consuming task that gets passed over, a lot.
As 2019 came to an end, I was determined that no magazines from 2017 were going to come into 2020 with me. I know, I could simply toss them but I knew that they all contained at least one thing worthy of my time. Enter the November 2017 issue of Fast Company magazine, my favorite business read every month. Well, at least when I get to them!
In this issue were great tips for what you should do 30 days before, 30 hours before, and 30 minutes before an event.
30 Days Before | See who’s going and whom you want to meet, says Dorie Clark, author of Stand Out Networking: A Simple and Authentic Way to Meet People on Your Own Terms.
30 Hours Before | Do an online search of the people you want to meet and find out what matters to them. Then you’ll have something to talk about or ask.
30 Minutes Before | Introduce yourself briefly to presenters before their speeches.
Bottom line, make your investment of time and money work for you. If the conversation you’re in isn’t moving in a direction that benefits you, politely exit and move into another group. Be active and be memorable!
Read more in Fast Company, November 2017.