Connect, collaborate & conquer at professional networking events.

The world is moving at an unprecedented pace, and so is the competition. As professionals, it’s imperative to stay ahead of the game by building networks that help us achieve our goals, whether it’s a promotion at work, expanding our business, or making a career switch. But with so many networking events happening around us, it can be overwhelming to figure out how to make the most of them. That’s where the connect, collaborate, and conquer strategy comes in! In this article, we’ll explore how to leverage these three principles to succeed at professional networking events, from preparation to post-event follow-ups.

Preparation:

The key to successful networking lies in preparation. Before attending an event, take some time to research the attendees, speakers, and topics to be discussed. This information will help you identify potential contacts and prepare thoughtful conversation starters. Strong preparation also gives you the confidence to approach strangers, minimizing the risk of awkwardness and making a great first impression.

One of the most important parts of preparation is creating a plan based on your networking goals. Consider what you want to get out of the event and make a plan that aligns with these objectives. For instance, if you’re looking for new job opportunities, target individuals or companies in your industry. If you’re looking for partnerships, connect with individuals in complementary fields.

Networking Etiquette:

Ultimately, successful networking comes down to connecting with people through authentic and meaningful conversations. Networking etiquette plays a crucial role in the success of your interactions. Here are some rules to follow:

1. Be approachable: A smile, an open posture, and direct eye contact can make all the difference in making you approachable. People are more likely to engage with someone who exudes warmth and positivity.
2. Listen first: Avoid coming across as self-centered by listening more than you speak. Give the other person a chance to speak by asking open-ended questions and actively listening to their responses.
3. Show interest: Demonstrate your interest and engagement by asking relevant follow-up questions and commenting on points they made. It shows that you consider their opinion important and that you are willing to have an ongoing conversation.
4. Share, don’t sell: Networking isn’t just about selling your product or service, but building a genuine and mutually beneficial working relationship. Share information on your work, sharing ideas, and showcasing your expertise instead of aggressively pitching.
5. Exchange contact information elegantly: Exchange information with finesse. Have a professional business card ready, strain typing in contact information on your phone. Ask politely if the person would like to exchange cards with you.

Effective Communication:

Networking events present the perfect opportunity to expand our knowledge and learn about industry trends, market demand, emerging technologies, and more. To make the most of these events, effective communication is key. Here are some tips to consider:

1. Speak with clarity: Speak in a clear, concise, and confident manner. Avoid industry jargon, and explain terms that may be unfamiliar to the layperson. Speak loud enough to articulate your thoughts, and slower so that others can keep up with you.
2. Know your audience: Take into consideration whom you’re speaking with. If you are speaking with someone who’s vastly experienced in your industry, you may be able to speak on complex matters in-depth. Take care not to come off as condescending explained the meaning of less familiar words if needed.
3. Show enthusiasm: Demonstrating excitement about your work, or inquiry about others, can make a conversation more engaging. Enthusiasm is contagious, and it highlights your passion for your work.
4. Demonstrate confidence in your pitch: Don’t shy away from speaking about your work when asked about it at a networking event. Develop a concise, compelling pitch that outlines the key benefits of what you’re offering. Keep in mind that confidence is key!

Collaboration:

Beyond connecting with people, networking events present the perfect platform for collaborations. Collaborating does not always involve a partnership, sometimes, it means finding ways to positively impact each other. Here are some ways to collaborate effectively while networking:

1. Share your expertise: If you have an extensive knowledge of your field, share it with people who may need it. You never know when knowledge that has been shared can lead to a promising business relationship.
2. Identify common goals: When you meet someone who shares your interests and goals, make sure to explore the potential partnership. Identify specific areas where you can collaborate and achieve mutual goals faster than if you linked with someone who did not share your goals.
3. Be open to new ideas: Sometimes, an idea may come up during a networking event that you had not considered before. Be open-minded and explore collaborations that may have seemed impossible.

Following up:

The difference between a successful and a wasted networking event is often based on what’s done after the event. Following up with your contacts is essential. You want to keep the relationship with anyone who could beneficial to you on a long-term basis. But, how do you follow up properly? Consider the following:

1. Send personalized follow-up emails: Within a day or two after the event, send personalized follow-up emails to people you had meaningful conversations with during the event. Make email content personal, friendly, and professional.
2. Connect on LinkedIn: Add anyone you spoke with on LinkedIn after the event, building a LinkedIn network can open up new opportunities and ways to sustain long relationships.
3. Keep following up: Don’t make it inclusive, and keep touching base once every two or three months. It’s best to be consistent and build that trust level.

Conclusion:

Networking events may seem daunting, but with the right preparation, etiquette, communication, collaboration, and follow-up strategy, professional success can be achieved in no time. Remember to set clear objectives for each event, and focus on building mutually beneficial relationships with anyone in your industry who could positively impact you. Whether it’s partnering, job opportunities, or sharing knowledge, utilizing the connect, collaborate, and conquer strategy can be the key to your success as a professional.