 |
| Me networking at a fashion meets charity event in NYC, last December at Roberto Cavalli |
I'm sure many of you have read articles about networking - how to do it in order to get a job or how women need to improve on this skill. However, I truly believe your approach to networking is based on your personality and how you go about meeting people. In essence, there's an art to networking. Our twenties are basically spent networking to find a job, keep a job, make new friends and keep up with trends in your field (this is especially true for those of us in social media). Whatever your intentions are for networking, make sure you're being true to yourself. Here are 5 things I've learned over the years:
1. Don't force it. If you don't feel a connection with someone, be nice but move on to the next person you connect with. Just be natural about it and keep it simple. If you're in social media, I highly recommend attending the Bloggers Meet Startups Meet-ups (because it's intimate and allows each person to speak about themselves after a presentation), so afterwards you can pinpoint the folks you'd want to learn more about. This way, it isn't forced and you won't feel overwhelmed by talking to 30 people before you're talking to someone you actually connect with.
 |
| Met these beautiful ladies during Social Media Week. We all had an immediate connection! |
2. Make it a point to meet 5-10 people at every event you attend. I tell this to my colleagues all the time and they laugh, but it works. I always make an effort to meet at least five people at an event, and usually I'll connect with a few peeps who will either introduce me to someone I need to know or I'll just have a great conversation. Yesterday, I attended the Step Up Women's Network (a non-profit organization connecting professional women with underserved teens) Step Up in the City event, and I just mingled with a few ladies, talked to my friends, and then ended up having a long conversation with Luis, a self-taught photographer and a local Chicago math teacher and member of SUWN. We talked about our interests in photography and how amazing the organization is for over 30 minutes. I didn't plan for this to happen but I was open to the idea of getting to know a few people and I met some great ones I hope to establish relationships with.
3. Grab one drink. Yes, everyone knows drinks help loosen you up a bit but please don't overdo it. You don't want to be that drunk person talking about themselves. Also, alcohol breath is very unattractive so just keep a one drink maximum so that you are able to focus, can carry a conversation and have a great time. Also, keep in mind that any event can be a wonderful networking opportunity so you want to be your best self, and then maybe you'll make a wonderful friend in the meantime.
 |
| I met Libby at a networking event and we've been pals ever since
4. Share something memorable about yourself. You want people you meet to walk away knowing something interesting about you! Think hard, I'm sure there's something quirky and unique about you to share.
5. Don't over-share. Ahhh this one goes to all the women out there as we tend to get deep. Now, this all depends on who you're talking to because some people don't care about it but in a professional setting, always keep it simple and focused on the event you're attending. Don't talk about how you just experienced a break up and you're sad about it. It'll just make you look bad.
I hope these lessons are useful to you at your next networking event. Don't forget to follow up with the folks you meet via email, twitter or facebook. Just make sure it's genuine and you're following up based on a real connection you made with that person. Happy networking!!
|