“It’s not what you know, it’s who you know,” goes the old saying. While it’s repeated often enough to sound cliché, there is truth in these words. The importance of a strong network cannot be overlooked, whether you are on the job hunt or are currently working.
To improve your own work, understand industry trends, and hear about promising job openings in your field, you must make contacts and keep in touch with people in your field. Networking events offer a great opportunity to meet people, show your best side, and learn more about what you do.
Why Attend a Networking Event?
When you go to a meeting or other networking event, keep three goals in mind:
- Make a Good Impression.
Ensure that people know who you are, so when they look at your business card later, they recall positive thoughts about the person who gave it to them. - Collect Information.
Handing out your business card is good, but collecting contact information and notes from others is better. This allows you to follow up effectively. - Create Value for Others.
Answer the vital question in others’ minds: “What can this person do for me?” Look for ways you can help others and point them out.
How to Navigate a Networking Event Successfully
When you enter a networking event, keep the following tips in mind to navigate the room with success and increase your chances of meeting your three networking goals:
- Enter with Confidence.
This may feel easier said than done, especially if the room is crowded and you don’t know a soul. Instead, take a deep breath, and walk confidently into the center of the room. Scan the room for people you know, who can give you a first introduction. If you know no one, determine where people appear to be congregating and join them. - Introduce Yourself.
If you’re introducing yourself to a group, you may want to rely on a “pitch” that sums up what you do in 25 words or less. One on one, however, it’s better to skip the pitch in favor of a natural conversation that shows your enthusiasm for your work and its benefits for others. Use this introduction to lead into a conversation about the work you do, the work the other person does, and positive developments in your industry. - Collect Cards and Make Notes.
Handing out your own business cards should come second to collecting cards from others. On each, make a few quick notes that help you remember the person and what you talked about, so you can reconnect more easily.
At ABA Search & Staffing, our experienced recruiters can help you find the position you’re looking for. Contact us today to learn more.