Networking

You’ve probably heard the saying “It’s who you know, not what you know.” Or perhaps you’ve heard some variation of this phrase, which essentially says that your connections are more valuable than your knowledge — and unfortunately, that’s the truth. It’s the main reason why students attending private schools on average have higher salaries. At the top, circles are very small and the benefits are endless, leading to better job opportunities and more connections in the world of work. The only way to combat this issue is to build your very own network of like-minded and driven individuals. Here are our top tips on how to network, along with a few networking opportunities you can sign up for!

Before The Event

Do Your Research
There’s usually a lot going on at a networking event, and stepping through the door not knowing what to expect is going to severely disadvantage your chances of getting anything out of it. So, spend some time learning about the sponsors, speakers, and attendees of the event, and arrive knowing:

• Who you want to speak to

• What you’re going to ask them

• Their interests and the industry they work in

What do you want to get out of the Event?
This is how you decide the questions you’re going to ask and the people you’ll be asking them of. Ask yourself rhetorical questions such as these below and take part in the brainstorming exercise. What do you want to learn from the speakers? Are you trying to network with employers? Do you want funding/advice for a project you’re starting? Are you trying to meet like-minded young people to collaborate and share ideas?

Brainstorm
Do your research on the event and its attendees, then fill both sides of an A4 paper with everything you want to gain from the event and remember it. Then, convert all of these thoughts into the questions you will ask at the event, and make sure to tick off your entire mental A4 sheet.

LinkedIn and QR Codes
Your LinkedIn is the main way you’re going to be communicating with the people you meet after the event. So, make sure you have a strong LinkedIn profile already set up (We’ve got a great article on how to create a professional LinkedIn) . LinkedIn is professional and can help tell the person who you’re networking with a bit more about you than what you could in your brief conversation. But our tip for this goes beyond just setting up your profile; it’s more about having your LinkedIn QR Code ready! Think of it as the modern, digital business card. The best part about it is that they have to add you first, which allows you to accept their request and initiate a conversation without seeming overly intrusive.

At The Event

Be Yourself
I think I speak for everyone when I say that we often conform to the vibe of the room, which of course you should do in some way to fit in. But completely changing who you are is not the way to do it. If you’re not yourself and you build meaningful connections whilst not being yourself, you won’t be able to uphold this “persona” when communicating with these people later down the line without it having a massive bearing on you. So, be yourself and you’ll find more like-minded people. PLUS, you’ll stand out more as most people will conform.

Be Confident
First impressions count and there are two main ways to do this confidently.

• The Handshake
  You don’t have to rip the person’s arm off, just be at ease and offer an open and slightly firm palm, then shake the person’s hand with eye contact while introducing yourself. Very simple, but a very effective tool to introduce yourself with, and you’ll radiate confidence.

• The Conversation Starter
  Before you even approach the person, you should know what you’re going to say to them. But what matters more than what you say, is how you say it. Don’t rush to get the words off your chest. Take it slow, stay composed, and you’re guaranteed to make a lasting impact.

Don’t Wallhug
This is probably the biggest mistake you can make: sitting in the corner or staying with the same group of people you arrived with or initially met. There’s nothing wrong with that, but remember, you’re at a networking event. Your goal is to expand your network, and the only way you’re going to do this is by working your way around the room and introducing yourself to more people. Remember that mental A4 checklist from the brainstorming exercise? Your goal is to complete that, so get out there and get at them!

Actively Listen (Body Language)
There’s a big difference between listening to someone and actively making an attempt to understand them, and it all depends on body language. Maintain eye contact, and give them affirmation through nodding or an occasional “OK.” When someone’s speaking, make mental notes on things that you find interesting, and ask them questions about it once they’re done. This is your most effective tool to steer the conversation in the direction you want, and remember, people love to talk about themselves.

After The Event

Online Networking
If your contact with everyone ends the moment the event does, the harsh reality is that most people you meet will forget you in a week. This is where LinkedIn comes in, as it allows you to keep in contact with everyone you meet. This contact doesn’t have to be active (messages, calls, etc.); rather, it can be as simple as occasionally interacting with their posts or vice versa, allowing you to build lasting connections with ease.