10 Dos and Don’ts of Networking
Tip #8: Don’t be too thirsty.
Photo: Christina Jones Photography
Networking is a necessary evil, but when used for the forces of good, it’s an amazing tool that ignites opportunity through relationship building. Learning how to do it well is a skill set unto itself and one that takes practice. Most of my business mantras don’t come from Kid Ink, but with regards to networking, I completely agree with him: “Let’s just be honest. Let’s be real.” Here are a few dos and don’ts to help you get through your next networking event.
1. Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself.
While it can be intimidating to roll up on someone and start a conversation, it’s often necessary. There is no shame in admitting that bum-rushing your way into a conversation isn’t your favorite approach for relationship building. Sincerity often goes a long way so be honest and acknowledge your discomfort. If you’re from the cool and confidant school of networking then know what you plan to say to engage your audience.
2. Try and be a friend first.
Don’t go in for the kill and start with your elevator pitch. The me, me, me approach is never a big hit! Genuinely be interested in whomever you are speaking to. Most people love to talk about themselves so start there. Ask questions about who they are, where they are from, and what they do before you hit ‘em with the glory that is you.
3. When sharing info about yourself, be sure to keep it concise yet interesting.
Have the basics ready, but make sure it doesn’t sound scripted. Talk with passion and confidence, but make sure it’s an inclusive conversation and not a sales pitch.
4. Keep it short and sweet.
If communicating via email or social media messaging it is important to keep it short and sweet. Copy-heavy outreach is usually skimmed or wholly ignored. The subject is as important as the text in the body. A creative subject gets your email opened and read.
5. Bring a wingperson.
Sometimes having a friend or business associate at your side that knows you well allows you to play off each other and makes the conversation a little more natural and informal. AND NEVER FORGET YOUR BUSINESS CARDS!
6. Do something to make yourself memorable.
A funny story, a quick anecdote, or a seemingly unrelated question about your conversation partner’s life will make you stand out and give you a chance to follow up via email and reference your own originality. A little humor and wit can go a long way. This is especially important if you are at a networking event where everyone has similar goals and lots of conversations are happening.
7. Look for commonality.
It’s great to find a parallel interest that you can bond over. It doesn’t matter if it’s work-related or totally inane and random. Whether it’s a mutual passion for Fetty Wap, a love of DIY crafts, or a commitment to binge-watching “Homeland,” finding common ground is a great way to solidify yourself in the hearts and minds of whomever you're chatting with.
8. Don’t be too thirsty.
If you sense that whomever you're speaking to isn’t interested: gracefully bow out. It’s like dating, it’s way better to be the ghoster rather than the ghostee.
9. For networking in the online space, don’t be afraid of the “cold pitch.”
Especially if you can find a way to engage with someone that will prevent it from feeling totally random. There is no shame in doing a little research without taking it to stalker-ville. It makes you seem prepared and shows that you’re not interested in wasting anyone’s time. You are reaching out for a reason.
10. Make sure you follow up.
Follow up in some capacity a few days to a week later. Keep the conversation going with new questions and interests so your relationship can evolve. Make a plan for a future meetup.
About the Author: Jessy Fofana founded La Rue PR over ten years ago after successfully directing public relations and marketing initiatives for an impressive list of well-known fashion, home décor, lifestyle and cosmetics brands, and retailers. With an experienced team of professionals, LaRue PR covers all the bases including print and digital media coverage, influencer relations, synergistic brand partnerships, and more. LaRue PR provides the skill and experience of a large agency with the creativity, dedication, and affordability that can only be offered by a boutique firm.
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This story was originally published on February 20, 2019, and has since been updated.
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6 Ways To Brush Up Your Networking Skills
Networking tips to get you ready for #CreateCultivateNY.
Our New York Conference is inching its way closer to us, and as we get ready for the big day, we want to make sure you’re prepped and primed for the big day.
And that definitely includes networking on site at the conference.
While networking can always seem intimidating, it’s something all of our attendees have mastered on site and have been able to take advantage of for their own professional development, and you should too. If you’re looking for ways to brush up your networking skills, we’ve got you covered with the tips below to make sure you don’t lose out on any opportunities.
Nail down your elevator pitch.
When you’re in a room with 500 other women, you’re going to have to nail down your elevator pitch. Make it concise and straight to the point. No beating around the bush, and no overtly selling yourself. BS tends to reek in a crowded environment.
Put your best foot forward.
When you feel your best, other people take notice. No matter how big or small you are in your career, as long as you continue to engage and ensure that your strategy is always to make a lasting impression, you will see that people will be more inclined to establish a deeper connection with you. Confidence is contagious… and while it may seem simple, a smile goes a long way — it's hard to hate a smile!
Practice makes perfect.
If you’re feeling antsy thinking about what you should say to start a conversation with someone, practice with your friends and see how you can nail down the starting a conversation with a stranger. From the approach, to how you introduce yourself, to what you talk about, make sure you can simulate the an entire conversation with a stranger via your friend. Come in ready with a game plan and see that networking anxiety go away.
Engage with the crowd, but don’t be an attention seeker.
It’s easy to fall into the hole of talking about yourself and letting people know about all the things you do in a networking setting. But take a look back and think about the last person who wouldn’t stop rambling about themselves.
Exactly. Don’t be that person.
This is why it’s important to nail down your elevator pitch and keep it short, clear, and concise. Give people the Cliffs notes to your story, and leave them wanting more so they are more inclined to email, call, or text you and get to know you more. Rule of thumb: always keep them wanting to know more.
However, make sure you’re treating the crowd with the same level of interest as you would want them to give you. Be genuinely engaged in knowing who they are, their career, and their story, and see how you can start building a strong connection.
Don’t give out your cards, trade them.
Of course, we should always come handy with a stellar set of business cards that we're ready to hand out. It’s an obvious tip, but one we have to remind you of. Make sure that your business card isn't generic and can show off your creativity and brand effortlessly.
Also, a rule of thumb to have when you’re networking is to make sure that you’re sure you get as many business cards as you hand out. You don’t want to leave empty handed.
Follow-up.
After you’ve finished meeting a new person and have hopefully gotten their contact information, make sure that you’ve written some notes and remember one key point in your conversation (doesn’t have to be business related, it can be something about your mutual love for Honey Nut Cheerios).
Wait a day or two to follow up, and use that key point as a conversation starter for the next time you reach out to them. Not only is this a good way to remind them that you met, but it will let them know that you were genuinely engaged in what they had to say and who they were.
And if you happen to meet someone at our happy hour on Friday, feel free to email or text them that same night so you can meet on site at Create & Cultivate New York the next day! #BuildYourCCSquad
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You Don't Want to Miss Out on Doing This At CreateCultivateLA
Leaving empty-handed is not an option.
Swag bags aside, Create & Cultivate is a breeding ground for new connections.
So if you're leaving empty-handed, you're doing something wrong. You should be exchanging info and making plans for 2018.
If you're worried about your networking skills and how to do just that, we've got you covered.
Practice makes perfect.
If you’re feeling antsy thinking about what you should say to start a conversation with someone, practice with your friends and see how you can nail down the starting a conversation with a stranger. From the approach, to how you introduce yourself, to what you talk about, make sure you can simulate the an entire conversation with a stranger via your friend. Come in ready with a game plan and see that networking anxiety go away.
Engage with the crowd (or the attendee next to you), but don’t be an attention seeker.
It’s easy to fall into the hole of talking about yourself and letting people know about all the things you do in a networking setting. But take a look back and think about the last person who wouldn’t stop rambling about themselves.
Exactly. Don’t be that person.
This is why it’s important to nail down your elevator pitch and keep it short, clear, and concise. Give people the Cliffs notes to your story, and leave them wanting more so they are more inclined to email, call, or text you and get to know you more. Rule of thumb: always keep them wanting to know more.
"Always keep people you network with wanting to know more."
However, make sure you’re treating the crowd with the same level of interest as you would want them to give you. Be genuinely engaged in knowing who they are, their career, and their story, and see how you can start building a strong connection.
Don’t give out your cards, trade them.
Of course, we should always come handy with a stellar set of business cards that we're ready to hand out. It’s an obvious tip, but one we have to remind you of. Make sure that your business card isn't generic and can show off your creativity and brand effortlessly.
Also, a rule of thumb to have when you’re networking is to make sure that you’re sure you get as many business cards as you hand out. You don’t want to leave empty handed.
"Make sure that you’re sure you get as many business cards as you hand out when networking."
Follow-up.
After you’ve finished meeting a new person and have hopefully gotten their contact information, make sure that you’ve written some notes and remember one key point in your conversation (doesn’t have to be business related, it can be something about your mutual love for Honey Nut Cheerios).
Wait a day or two to follow up, and use that key point as a conversation starter for the next time you reach out to them. Not only is this a good way to remind them that you met, but it will let them know that you were genuinely engaged in what they had to say and who they were.
And if you happen to meet someone at our happy hour on Friday, feel free to email or text them that same night so you can meet on site at Create & Cultivate LA the next day! #BuildYourCCSquad
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