Management Corner - Brushing Off Your

Brushing Off Your Event Networking Skills

After the past two years of restricted events in a pandemic, you might find your networking skills have become a little rusty. Hopefully, you’ll have more opportunity to use these important skills in the future to help grow your business.

Networking is a vital component to career development and business growth. While it comes naturally to some people, others may feel like they struggle in this type of social setting. The good news is, anyone can develop – or improve – their networking skills. Here are some proven strategies for becoming smoother at representing your business at business events:

PRACTICE. Although some people may be naturally more adept at communicating in large groups, networking is as much a honed skill as it is an inherent trait. Practice quickly getting to know new people by chatting with your waiter or barista.

DRESS TO IMPRESS. However obvious it may seem, a professional and clean outward appearance is vital. Overdressed is better than under dressed, although it’s always a good idea to know the dress code and follow it.

BE PRESENT. Whether you’re discussing the inner workings of a piece of heavy equipment with technician or the details of a merger with a CEO, you must be present and engaged in your conversations. Make eye contact and ask questions to display interest in what he or she is saying. No matter if you’re interested in the subject or not, you never know which contacts will prove valuable in the future.

ASK OPEN-ENDED QUESTIONS. People love nothing more than talking about themselves and their own experiences. Asking open-ended questions not only gets them talking, but it gives them a sense that you care about their opinions. This will go a long way to increase your rapport with others.

BE AN ASSET. Although your main goal at the seminar may be personal connections that will help your business, be sure to give as much as you hope to get. Share any advice and expertise you may have with others. This open dialogue and sense of personal importance will help to alleviate some of the stresses of these events.

AVOID JARGON. No one wants to hear a sales pitch or canned speech that is convoluted and technical. Assume you’re speaking to a broad audience and avoid technical jargon whenever possible. Otherwise, you’ll appear pretentious and inaccessible. DRINK RESPONSIBLY. If alcohol is offered, remember this is a function in which you should impress others. Alcohol dulls the senses and you want to be at the top of your game. Limit yourself to one or two drinks at the most.

FOLLOW UP. Be sure to promptly follow through on any help or information you may have offered during the event. Also, send a quick email or phone call to new connections. This will help to cement these new ties and open new lines of communication.

HAVE FUN! Finally, above all else, try to enjoy yourself. Making new connections and networking with others are central to human interaction and essential to your business. Who says you shouldn’t have fun while you’re at it?

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