What is networking and how does it benefit us?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Networking is all about building your professional and social community for mutual help and support. This is done through communication in various settings such as meetings, conferences, exhibitions, seminars, dedicated networking events, presentations, pitches, as well as online environments (which we\u2019ll cover in more detail later on).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Numerous benefits result from networking. For an individual, it allows you to gain insights into competitors, clients, and industry trends. You can also raise your profile, demonstrate your knowledge and expertise, and ultimately further your career. Connections you meet can have untold benefits on your professional development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A further consideration is the benefits your company can reap from your networking. By sending a representative to events, a company can raise its awareness, gain a better understanding of how the business is perceived by outsiders, open doors to new business opportunities, develop new relationships, and in some cases, win business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We hope we\u2019ve highlighted how valuable networking can be. But before you can obtain the advantages of networking, you first need to gain an understanding of how to do it successfully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When networking, it is important to be both interested and interesting so you’re presenting your most personable self. This means asking questions when the moment is right, knowing how to listen, and being ready to speak about yourself at the correct time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another important factor is asking open questions that facilitate conversation, opposed to closed ones that quickly put a stop to them. Open questions can be general, event, or industry specific. Check out some examples in the image below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When conversing, ensure you\u2019re actively listening to what the other person is saying. So, make sure you\u2019re not trying to multi-task; i.e., looking at the door to see who\u2019s coming in. Stay focused on the person you\u2019re speaking to, using your face and body to convey that you\u2019re listening; e.g., nodding, smiling, leaning forward, and presenting open body language.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A further key thing to remember is not to concentrate too hard on what you\u2019re going to say after the person has finished speaking, as you\u2019ll find yourself not fully paying attention to what\u2019s being said in the moment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lastly, remember the ears and mouth ratio \u2013 meaning you have two ears and one mouth and you should respect that ratio (in simple terms, listen more than you talk)!<\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019ve likely heard of an elevator pitch \u2013 this stems from the idea that you should be able to effectively put across who you are and what you do in the time it takes for an elevator ride to conclude. A lot of people worry about not knowing what to say for these quick intros, but luckily this is something you can practice beforehand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The main points to hit are who you are, what you do, and who you work for. It is great if you can find something unique and interesting to say for the last point, this will ensure you and your company are remembered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For instance, one could say, ‘My name is Bob, I\u2019ve worked in Account Management for two years \u2013 currently as an Account Executive, and I work for Awesome Business, a company that has won awards for being a great place to work.’<\/p>\n\n\n\n This conveys who Bob is, a bit about his professional background, and provides an interesting fact about his definitely-not-made-up company, Awesome Business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Networking fears tend to stem from two common concerns: having no one to speak to and not knowing what to say. Thankfully, there are some steps you can take to mitigate these anxieties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One useful suggestion for easing conversation-related anxiety is being \u2018ice-breaker and small talk ready\u2019. This relates to having a series of questions and topics prepared in case an awkward silence rears its ugly head. Ideas range from how your conversation partner travelled to the event, discussing the venue, or there\u2019s always weather chat \u2013 it\u2019s a classic for a reason!<\/p>\n\n\n\n A further way of managing pre-networking anxiety is to have a clear goal or target in mind, this could be anything from speaking to a specific individual or leaving with three new connections. Just make sure they\u2019re achievable \u2013 this will help you to manage expectations and leave with a feeling of success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you find yourself going to an event alone, there are a few ways to get involved in conversation. For instance, you’ll likely be handed a name tag from a staff member \u2013 you can ask this person to introduce you to someone to get you started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Or, you can research the event’s attendees and make contact with a few people beforehand. You can also initiate a conversation by complimenting someone’s outfit. Scary as it may seem, if you decide to approach a group of people and ask if you can join them at one of these events, it’s highly unlikely ‘no’ will ever be the response you receive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lastly, odds are you won’t be the only person attending on their own, scan the room and see if there’s anyone else standing alone, and if so, approach them and start chatting!<\/p>\n\n\n\n A further concern that pops up is the fear you might get stuck in a conversation that you can’t escape. These situations can be awkward, so if you find yourself stuck, an easy way out is to say how lovely it has been chatting to the person, but that you need to speak to [insert name], or pop to the loo, etc. This will allow you to politely exit the conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After networking, make notes, and always follow up! This can be with an email or a connection request on LinkedIn. Didn\u2019t get to speak to the person you were eager to chat with? No worries, drop them a message expressing your disappointment at having missed them and go from there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hopefully these tips and suggestions have eased your mind \u2013 we’ve summarised the key points to remember in the image below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nowadays networking occurs online as well as in person. There are many social media platforms that are used to connect with others. For professional networking, the most commonly used platform is LinkedIn. In this environment you\u2019ll find that your personal and business brand meet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.staysitu.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/how-to-network-event-1024x683.jpg\")
How to be a success at networking<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Question](\"https:\/\/www.staysitu.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/how-to-network-questions-1.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nTop tips<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n
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Active listening<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Elevator pitch<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Feelings associated with networking and how they can be managed<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Small talk is a big help<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Don’t be a lonely lemon<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Awkward situations<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"Common](\"https:\/\/www.staysitu.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/how-to-network-common-fears.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nPost-networking things to remember<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Some](\"https:\/\/www.staysitu.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/how-to-network-top-tips-1.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nOnline networking<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Top](\"https:\/\/www.staysitu.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/how-to-network-online-world.jpg\")
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