Here’s a few tips and tricks to make you get the most out of our networking events!
With WUN networking events every quarter, we thought it would be really helpful to share some of our best tips and tricks to make sure you can get the most out of the event.
The WUN event is a great opportunity to build on your network. Networking is not just about attending lots of events and collecting hundreds of business cards – it’s about building long lasting business (or even social!) relationships that will deliver value over months or even years.
Firstly, try to get to the event with plenty of time, this will give you an opportunity to scope out the venue, get yourself a drink. It will also give you an opportunity to talk to the organisers, find out about the structure of the event, and perhaps even enable them to introduce you to a few other key contacts. Rushing in at the last minute could mean you will feel flustered and uncomfortable.
The next important thing to remember is that when networking it’s great to share your experiences but it is also good to listen. Find out about your fellow networkers, what motivates them, what’s their background, why are they there? This event is all about developing your personal network and skills – you will find you can get even more from the event if you can really listen to people too. Think of some open questions you can ask before the event to keep the conversation going.
Having said all that, it’s important that you are able to articulate what you are about and why you are there. What do you do, what are you there for (what is it you really need help with to accelerate your career), and what are you passionate about?
Although it’s important to come out of the event feeling like you have really gained something for attending remember, not matter how daunting it may feel it’s good to share your opinions too. One of the best ways to maintain a strong and long-lasting personal network is to make sure you can contribute as much as you can. That could be advice, mentoring, business opportunities, or just providing a sounding board – everybody has something useful to bring to the table.
After the event its always great to follow up on interesting and relevant conversations – whether that’s by connecting with people on LinkedIn (remember to add a personal note), or sending a courtesy email the next day. And don’t feel that you have to come away with tens or hundreds of new names – one or two key contacts could deliver much more value if they are the right people for you and your career.
It sounds like there’s lots to remember, but actually, the most important thing is to have fun! Go into the event with a smile on your face, an open mind, and a clear sense of why you are there, and you’ll start to build your successful network.
