Networking events can be intimidating, especially if you're new to the game.
The pressure is high, you want to make a good impression, act naturally and hopefully make good connections.
But don't let that stop you from attending – these events can be valuable for building relationships and growing your career.
To help you make the most of your first networking event , we've compiled some networking event tips on how to navigate the event smoothly.
Let's dive in!
Why is it important to attend networking events?
Networking events are always important, but if you're a beginner, they're even more important as they provide ample opportunities to build new business relationships.
They also allow you to:
✨ Expand your network,
✨ Stay up to date on trends and developments in your industry,
✨ Gaining experience helps with networking and developing relationships and
✨ Explore new business opportunities or business ventures.
What Does a Networking Event Structure Look Like?
Networking events, more or less formal, come in many shapes and forms, but there will always be. some form of promotion from the organizer or event leader.
- More formal and often larger events are industry conferences, seminars, etc.
- On the other hand, speed networking events, happy hour meetings, etc. It is informal.
Additionally, if the event does not have a rigid structure , there is usually a light buffet or beverage reception.
Just go
Speaking of drinks, positioning yourself by the bar is a good networking spot.
Many attendees hit the bar, and it's usually a bubbly place where you can easily strike up a conversation.
Introduce yourself
Again, depending on the type of event, you may be expected to introduce yourself. .
I know this sounds very annoying, but at least you can break the ice immediately and make yourself visible to all guests.
interference
If there is no formal introduction, you need to take a deep breath and start mingling at your own pace.
For starters, find another solo player who is probably as uncomfortable as you. This way, you'll break the ice and things can only get smoother.
What Are Common Networking Places?
A common misconception is to associate high-profile or strictly business events with potential networking venues.
On the contrary, “non-work events can be a great source of networking opportunities.
1. Attend Local Community Events
Attending community and cultural events can bring you closer to people in your industry and others and increase your chances of networking.
Additionally, people who probably attend the same community events as you share some of your interests , making the initial connection much easier .
2. Do Charity
Volunteering is about contributing to society and a specific cause, as well as meeting like-minded people. This is always a plus when it comes to networking.
Additionally, gain first-hand experience learning to collaborate, negotiate and collaborate.
3. Attend a Learning Course
If you join a learning course, you have the chance to d. Develop and work on your hard and soft skills .
Additionally, you can expand your network or get noticed by someone of higher rank.
4. Visit an Employment Event
If you're looking for a job or career change, these events are valuable venues because you can meet many potential employers or at least start building and growing your network.
Note: having an NFC business card at hand is a great strategy to make yourself stand out more and change your communication information with more people. It will also make you look more professional and business-oriented. |
In short, any event can be a networking venue, so browse around to see what's happening in your area and choose events that suit you.
16 Networking Event Tips to Try at Your Next Event
There are three stages of preparation for every networking event:
1.Come Early
Arriving early can be a great way to facilitate the event.
You'll have time to get your bearings, find your way, and settle in before the crowds arrive.
Plus, arriving early means you'll have the opportunity. Meet some of the organizers And other early birds who may be more open to conversation and more focused on you.
2. Dress Appropriately
It is very important to dress appropriately for the event you will attend.
If you're unsure of the dress code, don't hesitate to ask the event organizers.
You want to make a good first impression, so make sure you look professional and put together.
3. Set Realistic Expectations
Before attending the event, set specific goals for yourself:
- Want to meet people in a particular industry?
- Are you hoping to find a mentor?
- Or do you just want to expand your network?
Once you know your goals, plan your approach.
Research the event and attendees beforehand and make a list of people you'd like to meet.
This will help you stay focused and not get overwhelmed by running around trying to meet every single person.
4. Bring Business Cards
Business cards are a must-have for networking events .
Since this is your first networking event, it's difficult to know in advance how many business cards you may need.
What definitely doesn't make your choice any easier is that 88% of Business Cards end up in the trash within a week .
Additionally, you're just starting out, so you want to allocate your finances wisely.
So how to avoid becoming part of the dismal statistics and still stay on budget?
Tip: The good news is that digital business cards , such as Tapni, allow you to stay within your budget and maximize your networking opportunities. only 1 card. Therefore, digital business cards one-time investment does not help you recover all the valuable contacts. You can also: Integrate your CRM and store all your Tapni contacts and related information safely. And your contacts don't even need to have the app. Great, right? |
Note: Although you can connect more with digital cards, you shouldn't get obsessed with connecting with everyone. Record the exchange contact information of the participants with whom you had a productive conversation. |
5. Start with a Smile and a Handshake
When you meet someone new, start with a smile and a handshake.
Introduce yourself and ask the person questions about themselves.
People love to talk about themselves, so asking open-ended questions can be a great conversation starter.
6. Join the Conversation
Listening is an important part of networking, but so is staying engaged.
This includes body language: nod, make eye contact, etc.
Show genuine interest in what the other person is saying and don't be afraid to ask follow-up questions and look for opportunities to provide value or advice .
In fact, sometimes by letting the other person talk more you can learn more about them and see if you're in shape.
Pro Tip: If you use digital business cards , you no longer need to take notes about interesting new connections you meet at the event. This way, if the other person is also using a digital card, you can immediately get any additional information you may need. |
7. Don't Monopolize the Conversation
While it's important to share information about yourself, don't monopolize the conversation.
Be careful Take advantage of the other person's time and make sure you don't dominate the conversation.
keep it balanced and show that you're interested in what they have to say.
8. Be Cute
If you are already in conversation, be friendly and polite. It's a way to get people to open up more and build trust—the foundation of every business endeavor.
9. Be yourself
Yes, we all want to make a great first impression and present ourselves in the best light possible, but you're failing to build meaningful business relationships on a lie .
Don't be afraid to be yourself .
You might not be everyone's cup of tea, but it will at least eliminate connections you probably can't work on.
However, it will open the door to connections. I'm grateful for who you are.
10. Join the Ongoing Conversation
It sounds annoying, but there's nothing wrong with joining an ongoing conversation.
Of course you should wait for a natural break in the conversation and just storm off.
Participants often welcome the break because they may encounter a potential new connection.
11. Compare Networks
Just because you're just starting your networking journey doesn't mean you don't have valuable connections .
Even if you can't help a new person directly or vice versa, that doesn't mean someone in your circle of contacts can't help.
And along the same lines is the following tip.
12. Expand Your Network
If you're actually in a conversation and asking questions, you'll figure out which person is in your network much quicker. It may fit your speaker well .
And a result
Your new connection will probably do the same for you.
By referring your contacts you can actually grow your network in a natural and non-pushy way.
13. Choose Events Wisely
Even for more experienced networkers, it's tempting to avoid attending every possible event. .
This is especially true because virtual events have started happening, making it even easier to attend everything under the sun.
But don't fall into that trap .
You don't need to run around like a chicken without a head trying to be everywhere.
Rather, search and find. events that are relevant to your current goals (remember type 3).
In the beginning, you'll probably attend multiple events to test the waters, but after this time you'd better stick to a few events.
Why are you a regular at Events, gradually becoming a thing? a household name.
If they think there is a mutual fit, people already know you and will refer new participants to you.
14. Don't be afraid to attend events alone
Finally, don't be afraid to attend networking events alone.
Going to an event without a friend or colleague can be daunting, but it can also be a great way to go. Push yourself out of your comfort zone and meet new people.
On the other hand, it will force you to meet someone to talk to.
15. Stay Organized
To do this, follow the people you met at the event so it's easier to find them later and know who they are.
Meeting so many new faces is overwhelming, so come up with a system to organize all your new contacts in a meaningful way.
Pro Tip: Did you know that with an app like? With Tapni , you can organize your contacts in separate lists and add tags to them This way, it will be easy to re-watch them later. You can also easily move and rearrange contacts to new groups. |
16. Follow-Up After the Incident
After the event, be sure to follow up with people you met.
You can send them an email or LinkedIn message thanking them for their time and mentioning them. something specific from your conversation to remind them of yourself.
Pro Tip: If you have a Tapni Business Account connected to your CRM, you can schedule follow-up reminders to easily communicate with your new contacts and take initiative. |
Good for you! You've just survived your first networking event, and we hope our networking event tips were helpful.
Key Takeaways
Whether it's a small informal meeting or a large professional event, it's important to know how to make a good first impression, engage in conversations, and exchange contact information.
However, while there are so many things to keep track of, there is a solution that can help you maximize your networking results and simplify most of the steps we have covered.
So how can Tapni help you with this? ?
🔥 You can create unique and fully customizable digital business cards and accessories . NFC chips and QR codes in all Tapni products .
🔥 You can easily share your card in a variety of ways , via email, as a URL, by scanning or tapping, etc.
🔥 Organize your new contacts into meaningful editable lists.
🔥 Scan and add information from paper business cards .
🔥 Put a direct link , for example, a link to your LinkedIn profile that will direct new contacts directly to that profile.
🔥 Schedule follow-up reminders on your phone so you don't miss reaching your new contacts
🔥 Automatically send messages to people who visit your profile after events.
🔥 And much more.
Sounds inviting?
Create your Tapni digital business card today and get ready to rock at your next networking event.
FAQ
1. What Topics Should I Avoid During the Event?
You should avoid sensitive comments and topics such as finance, politics, religion, sex, life and death, appearance.
Instead, research topics like weather, local restaurants, trivia, travel, work, and more.
2. How Do I Prepare for My First Networking Event?
You should review the event and attendees and prepare your elevator pitch and business cards to hand out.
3. How Can You Stand Out at a Networking Event?
By making it engaging and creating a unique digital business card , not being afraid to join conversations and ask questions and provide your network or value.
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