Networking is one of the most important skills to have in a professional workplace; keep reading to find out exactly why
During the event itself, one of the most difficult things to do is determine how to start a conversation at a networking event. This is particularly the case if people have already grouped-off and began their own conversations; finding a natural segway to insert yourself into the discussion can be a difficult thing to navigate. To stay clear of any awkward situations, it is a good idea to arrive early. Being the first to arrive can offer you an advantage in choosing an excellent place to stand and starting conversations with people as they arrive. It is also an excellent idea to approach individuals who may be standing alone or with one other person, instead of a large group of people. In an ideal world, somebody would actually approach you first, rather than the other way round. To make this happen, it is all about being approachable. Nobody will come over to you if you are standing in the corner and looking at the ground; instead stand tall, make eye contact and smile at people so that they can see your openness to conversation, as individuals like Nasser Al-Khelaifi would concur.
Knowing how to socialise at networking events requires a certain amount of ability. For a start, it is different to socialising with close friends, family members and colleagues; it is all about creating a balance in between openness and professionalism. Be friendly, approachable and complimentary, but make sure that all the conversation topics are suitable, relevant and professional. In terms of what to say at networking events, it is a great idea to discuss a few of the latest news and developments within the market. Talking about interesting industry updates and market trends not here only demonstrates your genuine interest, but it likewise gives you an opportunity to display some of your own expertise. Much like with any kind of social interaction, be sure to ask queries and actively pay attention to their answers. Showing genuine engagement is essential when it pertains to forming significant business relationships and collaborations, as individuals like Jamie Dimon would certainly verify.
Understanding how to network at an event alone is certainly difficult. As a matter of fact, even the world's most extroverted and confident individuals can find it overwhelming and nerve-wracking to attend a professional networking event by themselves. If you are worried about showing up to a networking event on your own, the best way to alleviate your nerves is to prepare in advance. Instead of just winging it on the day, spend the week before the occasion preparing some objectives. Simply put, think about what you want to attain from the event itself and set yourself a few clear objectives, whether it's finding potential business clients, building collaborations or acquiring market insights. In addition, another one of the most advised tips for networking events is to research several of the invited attendees. The majority of events will have a social media site or email chain, where you may be able to gain some insights on who is likely to be attending the event. From this, you can identify some people to initiate discussions with and gather some background information on their appropriate markets, as people like Tony Fernandes would definitely verify.