Posted By admin on December 21, 2008

When I go to networking events in my area, I often watch the younger members as they try to network with new people. Here are several tips for networking at a face to face event.

When you go up to someone else at an event, don’t talk about yourself first. Ask them what they or their company does. That way, you get them talking about themselves, and then they will ask you what you do. This is a better way than starting off talking about yourself.

When they explain what they do, listen carefully and see if there are any ways that you can help them. I often ask if they know of specific websites, or make suggestions of what they could use to help market themselves. A friend of mine at BlogWorld Expo this September talked to a number of exhibitors and suggested new taglines for their companies. Whether or not they use them is besides the point. They will remember her (especially after she gave them her card) as someone who is interested in their company.

Always bring business cards! I cannot stress this enough. Networking events have a lot of people and if you want to be remembered, you need to have something that they can remember you by.

A great way of meeting people at these events is to volunteer to work at the registration desk. Everyone has to check in  and many organizers will let you put your cards on the table in front of you. If they do not, place a small stack of cards within easy reach, like in a front pocket.

Finally, dress well. It is not necessary to be wearing a tux, or formal gown, but something that is NOT blue jeans, or shorts, or miniskirts. I am often put off by technical people who think it is okay to wear cut offs or faded blue jeans to an event.

Categories: Networking
Tags: Business card, face-to-face, Networking, networks, tips