3 Tips To Networking with Purpose

I’ve recently attended a few networking events with other business professionals. At one of these events, I knew many people in the room already and had an established rapport with most of them.

At the other two, I attended without knowing who would be in attendance, assumed I would know no one, but was eager to meet new people.

As a relatively new business owner, I’ve realized that making time for these networking events is critical to the success of my business in the short…and in the long…term. Staying in touch with my own community of established connections over 20 years in the meetings industry is important, but networking outside of my industry is equally important.

Here are a couple of things that I focus on at networking events to get the most out of them:

Bring A Good Attitude…And A Smile

Who likes to talk to a grump or someone who just looks like they’ve had a crummy day? We’re all naturally attracted to people who look happy, well-groomed and are approachable.

What’s more approachable than a big smile and a good attitude when it comes to meeting new people? I remind myself that no matter what type of day I’ve had, I need to be present in the moment and enjoy the opportunity to mix and mingle with people who have similar interests.

If I don’t think I can bring these things and give my attention to the moment, it’s better to bow out and attend the next one when I have a healthier mindset.

Get Comfortable Talking To Strangers

It doesn’t come natural to most of us to enter a room of strangers and just start introducing yourself.

This is something that master networkers get comfortable with very quickly and I’ve always made a point to force myself to do it in networking situations where I don’t know anyone.

The more you do it, the more comfortable you become. It’s also easier if you know what you’re going to say before you approach a stranger or group for the first time. I typically go with something like…“Hi, I’m Missy Johnson…(smiling)…this is my first time attending this event…have you been before?…Who do you work with? Are you here alone or with other colleagues?”

The simple act of thinking this first step through makes it easier to engage with someone I’ve never met. 95% of the time, the conversation flows naturally from there.

Follow-up Is Key

It’s pretty easy to meet new people at an event and then completely forget that you met them. Or, even worse, let them forget that they met you. I aim to exchange business cards with everyone I meet so that I have their contact information and can check out their website to learn more about the company they work for.

I’ll look to see if their business might be a good fit for my services. In addition, if it’s someone I had a great conversation with and want to be sure to stay in touch, I may send them an invitation to connect on LinkedIn. I always do this with a personalized note saying “It was great to meet you at the event last night and I’d love to stay connected”..or something along those lines.

It’s common sense but not always common practice: People that follow up leave more of a lasting impression with people they meet.

What other networking tips do you have? How do you typically break the ice when you meet someone new? What follow up techniques have you used that have proven effective?