5 Fundamental Tips For Effective Networking

Networking can be a fantastic way to learn about an industry, build a contact base and make friends. For some reason I have found a stigma associated with the word ‘networking’. It’s the sort of contrived term that many relate to what people in faceless offices do, whilst wearing boring shirts and drinking cheap wine.

Yet these people might be well connected, they might be happy and successful in their job. Then again, they might have said they have been networking last night, because they were too embarrassed to admit they have no friends, so just went home for a pot noodle and warm Wispa bar.

Most people don’t consider themselves as networkers. Nevertheless, this activity can prove useful for job seeking graduates. You never know whom you are going to meet. Take a quick look at one of my older posts that explains the importance of coming across as being friendly and inquisitive. To further help rookies successfully tackle a networking event; I have listed 5 crucial things they must remember.

1) Smile: I appreciate this is not a dating blog, however, there is nothing more off putting than a moody facial expression. This will ensure people steer clear from you. A smile puts people at ease.

2) Save ‘fashionably late’ for dinner parties: If at an official event, there will be less people at the beginning so it is easier to meet more people, before the room form groups. Plus you have first choice of the nibbles (if offered) and they won’t run out of wine after your first glass - an ounce of two of Dutch courage has been known to help loosen the larynx.

3) Leave your sales chat at the door, along with your ego: This is a relationship building exercise, not a ‘who can sell the most’ contest. Keep your conversations informal and forget that you could potentially sell to the people to whom you are talking.

4) Talk AND Listen: Let others ask what you do, rather than boring everybody with a mini pitch as soon as you have shaken hands. People will be quick to move away if they think you just want to talk at them all night. Keep plenty of eye contact and nurture the conversation. Be a conversationalist, not a talker.

5) Follow up on leads: Any networking becomes a waste of time if you fail to follow up on leads or business cards you collected. I would get in touch within three days of the event and make reference to something you talked about, no matter how random. You now have a warm lead to chase! Choose to follow these simple but effective rules and you will gain the most from any networking event. For more graduate hints and tips please follow this blog!