Networking Tips:How To Work The Room

Alan Rasof

If you have been to a

networking event

before, you are well

aware of the chaos that

can ensue. Everyone is

there to meet other

people, make

connections, and better

themselves

professionally, yet so

often we leave those

events not

remembering who we

talked to!

“Prior proper planningprevents poor performance.”

With thismantra in mind,use these tacticsto plan ahead oftime, work the

room at theevent, and follow

up with newconnectionsafterwards.

Leverage Social Media

Linkedin – Learn about fellow attendees, makepersonal connections, and set­up meetings!

Twitter – Follow the conference hashtag, set upTwitter lists, and tweet about the event!

Facebook – Check & comment on the event’spage and create a list of people to connect with!

Set Up Meetings Ahead of Time

People get booked up quickly at events! Be ontheir calendar long before everyone else to

get a head start.

Prepare Your Elevator Pitch

Come with a sentence or two about yourcompany. Concisely explain your role at saidcompany, and how you might be able to helpsomeone. Finally, have some good questionson hand to make sure you are engaging the

people that you meet.

Know Your Networking Goals

Do you want to spread awareness about a newproject that you’re starting? Do you want tomeet an industry leader who can become a

valuable mentor? Having a clear goal in mindwill make networking less ambiguous and

lead to more effective conversations.

Start A Conversation

Your first connection at an event is yourgateway to meeting more people. It can be

intimidating, but with the right approach, youcan join in on an existing conversation orstart your own! Make sure to read up onindustry news and trends beforehand so

you’ll be prepared to spark up conversation.

Ask For Something

Maybe you’re looking for a job offer, arecommendation letter, or to land a client.Consider why someone should choose youover others, then, come up with a succinct,humble answer why and ask for it. Be clearthat you want it to be mutually beneficial.

Follow Up With Your Connections

Connect soon after the event. The sooner youfollow up, the more likely your connections willremember you. Connect with new contacts onLinkedin and make sure to write a thoughtful

message in your invitation. Further thoserelationships, consider reaching out to mutual

contacts that you and your new connection have.