Networking Events

See if there’s a guest list and scope out anyone that might be beneficial to talk to.

This will help you ensure that you're using the time well.

Are you there to find companies to apply to? Are you trying to learn about someone in the same field as you?

Email or connect on Linkedin quickly.  Reference something about your conversation and mention how you met. Always leave a note when connecting with someone on Linkedin.

You're trying to connect, it's not only about getting a job. It could lead to that, but don't make that your primary goal.

Pick times to meet up with your friends if you feel anxious at the event. But make goals to meet a few people in between.

This shows you are listening and humanizes the interaction more. It also makes it easier to remember names when you say it aloud first.

If you can't pronounce it, ASK again how to say it properly.

It’s easy to get caught up in the yummy food, but stay focused! Eat a bigger meal before you get there so you’re not only focused on the food. You can use the snacks as a conversation starter, and who doesn’t love free food? But don’t use this as a replacement for dinner.

Sometimes I go to the bathroom a few times and just sit for a couple minutes to have a sense of silence because main networking events can be really over-stimulating, even for extroverted people.

This is so it feels more memorable for them. Your card will stick out more when they look through them later. ie. a recommendation you made of a book or article.It will help spark a connection rather than a transaction.

Look for open groups of people standing in a V formation rather than a closed shape, like an O.

People need to take in everything when they first arrive and don't want to be bombarded.