Build Your Professional Network Before You Need It

Get your priorities straight.

I hate to say it like this, but most people go to networking events with self-serving intentions.  They’re either individuals seeking employment, or they’re looking to change jobs, or they’re perhaps trying to connect with those that can help them move up in their companies.  It’s also likely you will encounter business owners hoping to find new clients for their businesses.

Become a resource to your new network.

So how do you navigate an sea of people primarily focused on helping themselves?  The trick is to be a resource.  Here’s a few tips on how to make the most of your networking efforts:

• Instead of going to events with the intention of handing out as many business cards as possible, arrive with the goal that you are going to learn about as many different people and their goals as you can.  You won’t be able to help everyone you encounter of course – but over time you will gather a series of contacts. When you understand the needs of others, you can also figure out how you can help them.
• When you demonstrate an ability to help them, they will be much more likely to reciprocate. For example, say you encounter a recent college graduate looking for his or her first full time job.  Learn about them and their background.  Figure out who in your network might have a need for their particular skillset or educational background.  Or perhaps you encounter a person who is looking to branch out on their own.  Perhaps you have someone you can connect them with who can help them along or at least transition into their new endeavors.
• Arrive early – before the event starts if possible.  If you are the first one there, all the better.  Arriving early gives you an advantage.  If you’ve ever attended an event and showed up to a full room where everyone is already seemingly engaged in conversation, you understand why this is important.
• Dress professionally, even if the event is relatively casual.  If you look like someone worth knowing, people will be more likely to engage.
• Plan on doing a lot of listening, and bring a pen to take notes on the business cards you receive.
• If possible, arrive with a buddy.  One of the toughest things about networking events for many people is initiating conversation.  So bring a friend and split up, and then when you see your ‘partner’ engaged in conversation, you can casually approach without the inherent awkwardness.  If that isn’t an option, try to figure out who is going to be at the event and make contact with those you already know ahead of time.  In fact, the more people you know, the easier this becomes.
• Along these same lines, look at the list of attendees and see who you don’t know.  Learn a little bit about them and see then you’ll have something to take about when you approach them.
• And lastly, try not to spend too much time with people you already know.

What are your favorite tips for networking? Share them with us below!