Tips for attending a networking event

Maybe you have been to a number of networking events or maybe it your first time. Regardless, you should be prepared with a plan if you have a purpose for attending a networking event other than to socialize. Below are a few tips to consider when attending a networking event.

1. Stop thinking "What's in it for me?"
Yep, you may be attending an event to help yourself but you have to get at cynical thought out of your head. If all you think about is yourself and go into these events only looking to help yourself, stay home.

2. When you meet someone for the first time at an event ask them, "Who are you hoping to meet here?"
If you make yourself available as a resource, you will be remembered. If you do not know of someone that can help them, take their card and make a note on it. If you meet someone there or after the event that could help pass on their contact information.

3. Ask your new connection if can send them an invite to connect on LinkedIn.
Do not assume that everyone you meet wants to connect with you if you meet them at a networking event. If they say yes do not send the generic, "I want to add you to my professional network" and I could care less if you remember who I am message. Send them a note that reinforces the conversation you had with them at the event. Be memorable.

4. Do not come to sell.
You are attending networking events to build relationships and credibility. This is not a sales floor. You should be there to discover the decision makers, find out pain points, and ask questions their interests and hobbies.

5. Do not over or under dress.
This is pretty simple. Do not come wearing a ball gown or short and a t-shirt. If this is a large networking event wear business casual. Businesses today are getting more and more relaxed on what people wear to work. Men, If you are going to wear jeans, make sure they are nice and clean. Throw on a sports coat and a button down to dress it up a little. Ladies, it is too easy to over dress for these events. Dress comfortably. Chances are you are going to be on your feet for the next three hours.

6. Do not interrupt a conversation. It could be important.
I have seen this happen too often. Someone enters tries to join in the middle of a conversation but then the two people who were just talking change topics to include the person that just joined. What a conversation killer! Look for someone that is alone and start up a conversation with them. Chances are they are new to the event.

7. Prepare your answer to "So, what do you do?"
This answer should be so good that it sticks in their head. To get an idea of how to construct this go to Barnes and Noble and get the book "Made to Stick" by Chip Heath and Dan Heath.

If you start with these tips you should have a productive time at a networking event. Networking events are for people to make connections. How productive these events are is completely up to you. You may get more out of it if you are looking to help other people before yourself.

Community Contributors - Professional Networking