Finding your own networking style
Tips for finding the best networking style that works with you
When I attended my first networking event when I was 19, I nearly had a panic attack. I had never been to an event specifically designed for professional networking, and having to introduce myself to strangers, keep small talk, and acquire contact information was more overwhelming than I anticipated.
As I have grown more seasoned in my career, I have grown into my own style for networking that makes me most comfortable. Today’s post is on finding that right style of networking for you so you feel empowered to do it!
Settings for networking
First, identify what settings you feel most comfortable networking in. While networking often occurs in large, in-person professional events, you can also network with people online through LinkedIn and internally within your organization.
You can try meeting new people in smaller groups or 1:1 settings
You can reach out to people in your organization for a 1:1 virtual coffee chat or ask for mentorship opportunities to regularly chat with them about career advice
You can attend large community events with people you know so you don’t feel overwhelmed going into a new environment completely on your own
Identify your objectives for networking
Relationships help more often than not in your career trajectory, especially in the realm of consulting. Keeping your objectives in mind when reaching out and maintaining relationships is a great way to keep you grounded in yourself and your networking strategy.
Do you want to work in a future role similar to this person? If so, chat with them about their day to day, experience, and skills they utilize in their role and maintain contact with them
Do you want to branch out of your organization to meet others who are in a different field from you? If so, be ready to ask more questions and be prepared to answer questions about yourself
Do you want to switch careers? If so, chatting with others who are working in careers you are interested in switching into is a great way to learn more about what expertise, skills, and team dynamics are involved in the role.
Do you want to find a new job? If so, then identify individuals who are in positions to hire people on their team and emphasize your experience and skillsets. Stay connected with them on LinkedIn so when their teams are hiring, you can shoot them a message.
Do you want to just expand your network? If so, then you can relax and converse about work or non-work related topics. People generally want to expand their networks in the event there are opportunities in the future, so as long as you get their LinkedIn information, you will stay informed of their announcements and potential opportunities.
Master the networking framework
While there is no one size fits all framework for successfully networking, I have found that following this general framework when networking can help keep you focused and not too nervous when meeting new people in a professional setting:
Small talk (commenting about the event, giving a compliment, asking a question)
30 second introduction about who you are and what you do
30 seconds to describe some more memorable aspects about you (where you reside, how long you have been in the area, what you like to do for fun, if you have pets)
Ask them a question! (What brings you here, I’d love to hear more about yourself, have you been enjoying the event so far)
Exchange contact info (I’d love to stay in touch, could I add you on LinkedIn?)
You can add more or remove pieces from this framework depending on your own style and what works best for you. The idea is that you want them to know you are, remember you, and you need to have some way to contact them again in the future.
Happy networking! 💖
It takes time to get comfortable with your own style of networking, and there’s no right or wrong way of doing it. Experiment with different methods and see what works best with you depending on the place and context.
YOU GOT THIS!