What to do during a networking event?

Networking is to interact with others and exchange information to develop professional or social contacts. Be it job hunting or establishing a startup, the importance of a vibrant network is paramount. One crucial network may be all it takes to get an edge in a job interview or get the permission for a loan to finance a new venture. To be a good networker, one must always be prepared to interact with new people and make valuable contacts out of them. However, it is difficult to fill up the contacts section of a cell phone by just networking randomly, which is why attending and getting the most out of networking events is essential in today's world.

It is evident that a networking event is much more than just showing up, passing around a few business cards, having some refreshments and leaving. However, that is precisely what many people do. The main essence of a networking event is to meet people and share what one does to find people who can bring future benefit and make the contacts. But this is easier said than done. To be clinical in these events, some preparation and practice are necessary.

The preparatory steps are divided into three groups: before the event, during the event and after the event.

Preparing oneself before the event

Before attending a event, it is essential to have a clear goal in mind. Access the reason for going to the event and come up with one or more desirable outcomes-- for instance, meeting five new people, getting a job lead, or finding a potential business partner. Having some of these goals in mind will help one stay focused during the actual event. It will lead to meaningful interactions instead of random conversations. Another noteworthy point before going to a networking event is to dress professionally. An overly casual or disorganised outfit will lead to a wrong first impression. It is optimal to wear a comfortable formal outfit to be confident in a somewhat unfamiliar and uncomfortable setting.

It is essential to carry a surplus of business cards. Moreover, keep the cards in a proper case to prevent damaging them and to be able to hand them out quickly. It also looks professional to pull out cards from a situation instead of frantically searching for them in a bag or purse.

Interacting wisely during the event

During the event, interacting with specific parameters will lead to effective networking, the first of which is to make a useful introduction. Maintain proper body language, hold eye contact, smile, clearly state first and last name and top it all off with a firm but a brief handshake. Also, be very careful when listening to the other person's introduction, as it is very plausible to forget their name due to nervousness. When conversing, address the other person by name a few times. This will help with remembering their name and make one appear sincere and invested in the interaction after the initial introduction allows the other person to speak first. This has multiple benefits. The person who speaks first in an initial communication is only half listened to as the other individual prepares what they are going to say. Therefore, speaking second allows time to adjust what to say. In addition, the listener will be relaxed and focused when you talk. Ask about their background, work or interests since it shows sincerity and enthusiasm in mutual benefit. Questions that cannot be answered by a simple yes or no like, 'What are your main responsibilities in your job?', 'How did you enter this field?' etc. are best for this purpose. However, when it is time to speak, one must be concise and clear to hold interest and make sure that the listener fully understands the message. More details can be provided later, so it is important to cut to the chase in the first conversation.

Furthermore, since the primary purpose of networking is to build a rapport, it is essential for the listener to comprehend what is being said. Avoiding industry jargon for easier understanding is wise. Carrying out interactions like this it is much more likely to form connections and build contacts.

The final task during a networking event is to take small notes. It is virtually impossible to remember all the essential details of every conversation. Therefore, writing it down helps. Find some space alone and make notes of these details at the back of those individuals' business cards. In addition, write down how you want to follow up with that person since the entire essence of networking is to connect with people in the future. Having such notes makes following up a lot easier.

Following up after the event

The last and possibly the most crucial step of networking comes a few days after the event, and that is to follow up appropriately. Send personalised emails to the people you want to keep networking with. Make sure to show that you remember the details of your interaction by mentioning something that was talked about. Also, indicate that the first meeting was delightful and thoroughly enjoyed. An email containing these is very likely to form a long-term connection and fulfil the purpose of building a network.

The writer is a second year student of the BBA programme at the Institute of Business Administration (IBA), University of Dhaka. He can be reached at
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