What Are The Benefits of Attending Networking Events?

Everyone, from your university education consulting company to an Instagram career coach, has told you about the advantages of academic networking and business networking events. So, you took the plunge and registered for a networking event. Now, as the event is approaching, you are not sure if you will attend. You are thinking, “What if I come across as too opportunistic?” or “What if no one is interested in talking to me?”

Don’t worry, it’s completely normal for people to have such fears. But know that you will be just fine if you go in with a little preparation and focus on your goal. Networking is undoubtedly worthwhile. Hence, you should have a look at our advice for benefits of attending networking events.

Before the Networking Event

– Determine why you are Attending 

After you have registered for an event, you need to ask yourself, “What kind of connections am I looking for?”

You might want to connect with potential employers if you’re looking for work. If you are an entrepreneur, you might wish to gather potential investors or clients.

Having a specific goal in mind will allow you to prepare effectively and reach out to the right people during the event. Identifying your purpose also helps you decide what kind of events you want to attend. Attending an academic networking event would not be very helpful if you want a marketing job. Most attendees there would be academics, but you want to find a job in the corporate sector. Instead, you should attend a product launch event where business professionals will be present.

– Do Your Research

Now that you know what kind of people you want to target, put that clarity to some good use by starting your research.

Know Your Host

It is good to understand your host and the theme of the event. Learn about the background of that organization and how it has engaged with that issue in the past. Then you can leverage this information to make a good impression on the host.

Know the Guests

You might also be able to find the list of attendees on the event’s webpage. In that case, you should scan the guest list to find people who match your purpose and then look them up.

Know the Guest Speakers

Networking events these days also have guest speaker sessions. Especially in the case of academic networking events, they usually invite an expert from their field. 

If you already know anything about the speaker, you might be able to pose an intriguing question during the Q&A session. You can really make an impression on everyone with that intelligent comment.

– Choose an Appropriate Outfit.

It goes without saying that you should dress according to the dress code mentioned by the host. Pick something professional and neat. Make sure you look comfortable but not overly casual or disheveled.

Choose comfortable yet formal footwear, since at networking events you will have to move around a lot. You don’t want to be sitting in a corner with a sore foot, do you?

– Bring Business Cards With You.

After the event ends, your business card will assist your new friends in contacting you. Maintain a stack of these cards in a card case. Instead of digging through your bag, take out a card because it appears more professional.

At The Networking Event

– Begin the Conversation Effectively

Your conversation starter does not have to be a self-promotional elevator pitch. Of course, you want people to know you, but let that happen naturally. Remember, this is a social event and not an interview.

Relax, and keep it simple

Start by telling them your name and listening for their name, and then open the conversation. Possible conversation starters could be, “What brings you here?” or “What did you think about the speech earlier?” Try to focus on your shared experiences to build a rapport with them. For example, if you both come from the same city, discuss the places you liked visiting there.

– Introducing Yourself to Someone You Admire

You are at an academic networking event, and you spot the Booker Prize-winning author whose book inspired you to major in journalism.

Naturally, you can’t stop gushing over them. You go up to them and start the conversation by telling them how much you admire their work. Not saying that this is a bad start but do keep in mind that you don’t make yourself sound too much like a fan. But instead, keep your cool and make them realize they have something to gain by talking to you. This can only be achieved if you make a thought-provoking comment on their work. Or better yet, ask them a question.

– Ask about People’s Backgrounds

Once you run out of small talk, the conversation could go flailing. You can avoid this awkwardness by focusing on the other person. Ask them open-ended questions to find talking points you will be able to expand upon. Don’t be intrusive but show your genuine interest. Chances are that they will warm up to you. And voila, you have a solid connection right there!

– Be an Active Listener

It is only proper social etiquette to give the person whose talking your full attention. One way to do so is by asking questions, as mentioned above. But don’t let your mind wander to what you will say next because you might miss something significant.

Just maintain eye contact and avoid getting distracted by your phone. Follow-up questions and comments will come naturally to you if you are paying attention.

– Entering a Group Conversation

You spot a group of people talking, and they are all potentially useful connections. How do you join them?

Stand near the group and see if they acknowledge your presence. If they seem okay with you listening, then you join in. You are welcome to contribute your thoughts, but don’t try to dominate.

– Politely Exit a Conversation

Remember that a networking event is not a competition about who talks to more people. You don’t have to rush through your conversations. That doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t jump ship if you see that the conversation is going nowhere. But do this gracefully.

Wait for a suitable pause in the conversation and offer a courteous leave phrase. For instance, say, “This has been a great conversation, but I want to say hello to the ex-colleague I just spotted here.” After thanking them, shake hands and depart.

After the Networking Event

– Don’t forget to follow up

Exchanging business cards is only the first step in building a relationship. Your efforts will only be rewarded if you remember to follow up with your contacts.

Within 24 hours of meeting someone, send them a tailored email or LinkedIn message to let them know you are interested in staying in touch. Later, you can invite the person for an in-person meeting to further connect.

The Takeaway

Meeting new people can be intimidating. There are so many benefits of attending networking events, but realize that the right network can open many doors for you. That is why you should make this effort consistently. Even if you make some mistakes, take that in your stride. Remember, practice makes perfect.

Others are also there to make connections and meet new people, so they are in the same boat as you. You just stay present in the moment and be your most confident self!

Happy networking!