Business Wise: How to navigate networking events
Question: I am new to attending networking events and am not sure how to navigate. Do you have any advice?
A: Although networking can be intimidating at first, there are so many benefits to stepping out of your shell and participating. Networking is a skill that you can develop, and proper preparation is essential to making networking events more comfortable. At networking events, you can develop connections that will lead to lasting business relationships, but it may not happen immediately. The key to networking is practice. The more frequently you attend events, the easier networking will become. To begin developing your networking skills, use the acronym PREP:
P - Prepare
Preparing for the event is just as important as actually being there. Ensure you are dressed appropriately for the occasion and be prepared with a few current event topics to discuss. You can prepare questions that will help you learn about others and will serve as conversation starters.
It is also important to practice your elevator speech. You want to deliver an introduction that will make you stand out and leave people wanting to get to know you better. Your introduction should include who you are, how you provide value and what you are focused on currently.
R - Remember
Remember to mind your manners. Etiquette is crucial, and you will be remembered for how you conduct yourself. You do not want to be remembered for bad habits such as being late, sloppy eating or drinking too much. In virtual networking events, you want to be sure to pay attention to who is speaking and engage with the group, turn your camera on and make sure to stay off your cell phone.
It is always a good thought to brush up on your etiquette - be present, politely enter and exit conversations and be confident. Most important of all, remember to smile. It is likely that you are not the only person who is feeling uncomfortable. When you smile, it is easier for people to approach and connect with you and will help you to stand out.
E - Engage
Listening is one of the most important skills you can develop. When you are an active listener, you will be more likely to influence, develop deeper relationships and be more informed. The easiest way to start a conversation is to ask questions about the other person. Listen to what they have to say and pay attention to topics that have mutual interest. It is important to approach networking as an opportunity to get to know people and to bring them value, not as a platform to sell your services.
Keep in mind that engagement does not end with the event; you must follow up with the people you met. If you do not follow up with the people you met during the event, you will most likely be forgotten. Open opportunities for communication by inviting them to connect on LinkedIn or by sending an e-mail after the event reminding them of who you are and the topics you talked about. Try to connect with them every couple of months by sending them relevant articles or events they might be interested in.
P - Practice
Networking is a skill that takes practice. The more you get involved, the easier it will become. Do not be afraid to think outside of the box and look for nontraditional networking methods such as playing a sport, volunteering or joining a group or association. Networking can be fun; look for events that will work for you and your personality.
Crystal Faulkner is a CPA and Certified Professional EOS implementer working with leadership teams to increase the value of their organizations. She is a partner with MCM CPAs & Advisors, a CPA and advisory firm offering expert guidance and beyond the bottom line. Tom Cooney is a CPA and Senior Financial Advisor with Wealth Dimensions, an investment advisory firm. Tom can be reached at 513 554-6000. For additional information, call 513-768-6798 or visit online at mcmcpa.com. You can listen to Tom and Crystal daily on WMKV and WLHS on “BusinessWise,” a morning and afternoon radio show that profiles highly successful people, companies, organizations and issues throughout our region.