P – Preparation

Nearly 80% of people fail to prepare for a networking event. Plan before you walk in the door and have a few conversation starters ready.

I recommend taking some time to consider the people at the event, identify individuals you wish to connect with and seek them out. Go early to an event – you may be able to speak to the speaker or organizer and glean some additional information which you can then use as your opening line to meet someone new.

Google or review the LinkedIn profile of individuals you would like to network – chances are, they may have done the same of you.

Try to find common ground – it may be something you both like to do, similar families, similar backgrounds.

It can be daunting to approach a group, but a solid opener is introducing yourself and asking to join. “Hello, I’m Charllotte, may I join you.” Follow this up by shaking hands with everyone in the group if you can – you’re in!

E – Evolve
Positivity improves your skill set, engage in positive self-talk, be kind to yourself. Be yourself, don’t try to be the person you think others may want you to be. Others will warm to you if you are authentic and genuine.

O – Observe 
Your body language provides plenty of non-verbal communication.  75% of an impression is derived from your body language. Get in front of the mirror and practice your stance. Look at your own body language, do you cross your arms? Are you open to someone approaching you?

When you introduce yourself make eye contact and smile. When you repeat the name of the person you have just met you are more likely to remember it. If you feel comfortable to shake hands this will further reinforce your introduction and interest.

P – Prioritise 
Your time is precious – closing a conversation is as important as opening one. 
End a conversation with a positive “It’s been great to chat…”

Include a follow-up if you would value future discussions:
            …shall we connect over LinkedIn?
            … would you be keen for a coffee?
            … will you be at the next event?”

Don’t spread yourself too thin. Set yourself realistic expectations – you’re not going to connect with everyone in the room, a couple of meaningful conversations are more value than many fleeting ones.

L – Listen 
75% of the time we are distracted in our conversations. It is a skill to listen and to be present in the moment, but I guarantee if you work on this and stay aware of yourself – your conversations will improve.

When engaged in conversation, be aware of your body language here also, it’s obvious to the person you are talking to when you aren’t focused on them, and they will also lose interest.

E – Evaluate 
Follow up with people you want to connect with. Send through the LinkedIn request, make that call, send an email. More often than not people fail to follow up.

Take notes afterwards. 

Jot down the common ground you found, and any key points which can be valuable to jog your memory and mention next time you meet up.

And my final tip:

Be patient – if the opportunity you sought did not materialize or the connection did not immediately come to fruition keep at it. 

Love to hear your networking experiences and any recommendations you may have.

Thanks to Julia Palmer from Relatus for her inspiration in compiling this blog!