Networking: things I’ve learned

Before I made the decision to go freelance, I’d never been to a networking event. It wasn’t ever something I’d had to do, and it wasn’t something I’d thought a great deal about.

But with the prospect of unemployment looming on the horizon, I decided it was time to dip my toe into the world of professional networking. Now, the first event I attended was definitely at the informal end of the spectrum and I was wholly unprepared. I went with a few friends, which made it easier to turn up, but then more difficult when it came to mingling. I also hadn’t managed to order business cards by this point - big error.

Despite all of that, I still managed to make one good contact out of that particular event, which for me was a huge win. With my confidence boosted, I went to a few more networking events and have found them incredibly useful. Here are a few of the things I’ve learned.

Always have business cards

That might seem incredibly obvious, but I found it really easy to procrastinate when I was ordering my first batch of business cards. Essentially, I was swamped by choice, didn’t really know what I wanted and as a result didn’t order any in time for my first event.

Now that I’ve got business cards, I’m never without them. I have them in every handbag, and in my wallet, because you never know who you’re going to meet. A chance meeting while you’re grabbing a cup of coffee or chatting to someone on the train could lead to work, and if you’ve got a card to hand you can easily swap details.

Of course, when you’re networking, you need to take a good supply with you so you don’t run out.

I wanted colourful business cards that would stand out

Make notes

The other thing that’s always in my bag is my notebook. Carrying a notepad everywhere is probably a hangover from my time in journalism, but it’s a great tool at a networking event. Picking up people’s business cards is all well and good, but when you get in touch with them you want to make it as personal as possible - if you’ve got 15 cards in your pocket, will you remember which person shared your love of cake? Or which person has the same hobby as you? Or who wanted help writing a brochure, and who needed a proofreader for web copy?

It’s easy to think you’ll remember everything, but you meet so many people at networking events it can be hard to keep track. I make little notes about everyone I meet throughout the evening - just their name and a couple of key points to jog my memory, so when I send them an email or LinkedIn invite, I can make it personal and hopefully reinforce the connection I’ve made.

Don’t just talk business

While networking is a tool for connecting businesses, most people don’t just want to talk about work. In fact, chatting about something a bit more personal can be a great way to help people remember you. One thing to keep in mind is that people like to buy from people, and whether that’s a product or service, it holds true.

If people to like you they’re much more likely to work with you. Of course, you need to deliver on a professional front as well, but if you can make a good personal connection with someone, you’re halfway there.

Smile

This sounds obvious, but smile. You need to be approachable at a networking event, and you need to jump in. Most of the people there will probably be nervous about it too, so don’t feel intimidated. It’s fine to walk up to someone and start a conversation - smile, introduce yourself and see where it goes.   

Find a wingman (or woman)

You need to be approachable when you’re networking, but that doesn’t mean you can’t go to these events with someone. If you know someone else who might also benefit from networking, go together. It will calm those nerves of walking into a room full of people you don’t know and if you work together, it can mean you cover twice as many people in the same time. Split up and chat to different people - if you’re talking to someone that you think could be useful for your friend to meet, introduce them.