Mel Kettle Consulting » Blog Archive » 7 tips to get the most out of a networking event

So now that you have chosen which networking events to go to, how are you going to make sure you get the most out of it? There are a few things that I do:

1. Take LOTS of business cards – there is nothing more frustrating than meeting someone interesting and having to rely on them to contact you because THEY don’t have a card. Don’t be one of those people. Please.

2. Have a plan. Depending on the type of event, I generally plan to meet – and have a conversation with – a specific number of people. It might be 1, it might be 10. The actual number depends on how much time will be allocated for networking, the format of the event and my mood at the time! Try and have a look at the attendee list so you can see who will be there and where they are from – this can help you can target specific people.

3. Don’t just hang around with your friends. Presumably you have gone to a networking event to network. So go and meet people!

4. Try and learn something about the people you meet. Don’t just fling around as many cards around as you can! You are better off meeting five people and finding out something about them so that a relationship can be established, rather than “meeting” 25 people you just give a card to. Be genuine about who you are when you are talking to people. Show interest in who they are and what they do. It’s not ALL about you!

5. Followup within a day or so. This can be as simple as sending an email saying you enjoyed meeting them. Or perhaps sending an interesting article you found that is about something they are interested in. Don’t send them reams of information about your business and how you want to work with them – unless they asked for it.

6. Don’t drink too much alcohol at a networking or industry function. It doesn’t take much to ruin a hard-earned reputation.

7. Have fun!

What do you do to make the most out of networking events?

Tags: events, networking, tips

This entry was posted on Friday, March 5th, 2010 at 9:46 am and is filed under communication, networking. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

17 Responses to “7 tips to get the most out of a networking event”

March 5th, 2010 at 11:02 am
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March 8th, 2010 at 5:22 pm
AJ Kulatunga says:

Hi Mel,

GREAT post with some really useful tips! You’re probably going to shoot me but…I’ve recently started breaking your golden rule “Always have business cards”.

Recently I’ve started saying “I’ve gone digital and I’m managing all of my connections online”, which is a little bit of a crazy approach but makes you stand out from the crowd. The key to making this work is to get their card and follow up with your details within 24 hours – and since most people don’t do this, you’re already standing out from the crowd. It’s risky, not for everyone, but I’ve been putting it to good use and it’s working great for me.

The other thing I’d suggest is having a story. Networking is a 2 way street so whenever you go to an event, have something interesting to say rather than the usual “this is who i am, this is what i do” spiel. It makes you more interesting and helps you stand out from the crowd – which is a key to establishing meaningful business relationships.

Keep up the great work Mel!

AJ~
March 8th, 2010 at 5:35 pm
Mel Kettle says:

Thanks AJ.

Yes, the going digital idea is great – but I suspect it won’t work for all industries or people. Or for those people who don’t believe in backup!

I really like the idea of having a story to help you stand out – I’m going to try that one!

thanks for commenting.
Mel
March 10th, 2010 at 10:52 pm
Attie says:

Hi Mel,

Great article. I think AJ’s point that digital is more important than the business card is valid, but what about a combination approach? A business card that not only carries your contact details, but prominently displays your online presence. So many cards don’t and this always stands out for me.

Absolutely agree on following up ASAP. I try and make it a habit to do the next time I’m at a computer, or even on my phone on the way home. That way the people you met and their stories are fresh in your mind.

A simple tip I have, and it really is simple, is to repeat the person’s name. I still find the hardest thing in a room full of noise and buzz to hear the name correctly before the card transaction occurs. Especially if somebody else joins and you are set to do the introduction! Eek. Repeating the name back means you physically remember it a lot more easily and they can correct you if it’s wrong.

A simple saving grace…

Cheers,
Attie
March 11th, 2010 at 8:58 am
Mel Kettle says:

Thanks for your comment Attie. I also write on the back of the card where I met the person as this helps down the track. And I inlcude this info in my database too.
Mel
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