Whether you’re a job seeker or an entrepreneur, there are effective ways in which to network and there are ways in which your networking efforts will falter. Once you’ve honed your elevator speech, shaken hands and exchanged business cards, what next? Do you talk about the weather? Politics (not usually a good idea)? What comes next? Having some conversation starters can certainly keep the networking efforts moving along and here are a few tips for your next meet-and-greet:
- Understand your reasons for having attended the networking event. Is it to find a job? Uncover new opportunities for your business? Simply to get out of the office and see new/different people? Hone your personal and professional skills? Once you know the reasons you can formulate a plan.
- What kind of topics do you want to discuss? If you’re meeting someone one on one, why did you plan the meeting? Was it information gathering? To use their service? To offer yours? Also, don’t forget to have some ice breakers on hand. Consider talking about books, movies, sports or even just asking them why they are attending this event, what they hope to get out of it. Ask the person with whom you’re speaking what they like best about the work that they do. Be genuine in your interest.
- Make certain the conversation is a give and take. You don’t want to monopolize the entire conversation but then again you don’t want to walk away having said nothing about who you are and what you do.
What are your best tips for making the most of networking events?