Conquering the Networking Event
Conquering the Networking Event
How do you network at events? Hint: it doesn't involve "working the room".
My first networking event ever was a disaster.
I was awkward, shy, and had absolutely no clue what I was doing.
Do I hand out copies of my resume? Do I ask for a referral on the spot? Do I get on the podium and tell everyone I’m looking for a job?
No. No, you don’t. I learned that the hard way. Many stories to tell… but that’s for another time.
Fortunately, through attending (and hosting) hundreds of industry events, I’ve learned a few tricks that help you feel meet people and build relationships more naturally.
You’ll go from to rookie to expert in no time.
Let’s dive in.
6 tactics to master networking events:
Meet up (before the meetup)
Be a volunteer
Support the host
Stand in the spotlight
Find the line
Do an elevator pitch
Meet up (before the meetup)
Most people don’t know how to do networking events. Here’s the secret:
Focus most of your effort into connecting prior (pre-connecting) and after (following-up) the event.
Especially at larger ones (200+ people). Or if you’re going for a specific purpose (e.g. to meet an investor, hire a candidate, etc).
Two ideas:
Reach out to attendees on Linkedin before the event. Explain why you’re going, what you’d like to chat about, and how you can help.
Use a platform like Twitter or Saturday to bring together attendees, and host a coffee meetup or happy hour before or after the main event.
You’ll be able to maximize your time and ROI from being at the event.
Be a volunteer
I’ve had hundreds of people volunteer at my events. They recognize the value of doing it!
Here’s my friend Kat doing her thing:
Volunteering requires effort. But here’s what you get in return:
You’ll meet other volunteers—who likely have similar goals to you
It’ll empower you to the be the sharpest, kindest, most social version of yourself
You’ll get to practice your social skills
It gives you a HUGE confidence boost (you’ll feel great after)
Most events should have volunteer programs. If they don’t, just reach out to the host offering to help.
And you’re always welcome to volunteer at mine…
Support the host
Hosts are incredible busy in the days leading up to an event. They’re dealing with logistics, operations, and last minute fires.
It’s usually not helpful to ask: “how can I help?”
Instead, be proactive and identify how you can provide value:
Are they looking for a sponsor? Make an introduction.
Do they need help with moving things around? Offer to show up early.
Did a speaker drop out? Offer to find another person.
They’ll love you for it.
Stand in the spotlight
This is a wacky one, but it’ll work.
Here’s the idea: wear or do something that makes you stand out.
Wear a unique, one-of-a-kind outfit
Give out free things (…but don’t mindlessly shill your product)
Wear an item of clothing with a recognizable meme, logo, or design
Or be like this guy and put my face on a shirt:
Stand in the spotlight. You’ll get eyeballs and people WILL start a conversation with you.
Find the line
Nobody likes a long line or big crowd. BUT, at a networking event it can work in your favor.
When in doubt—find the line.
I’m talking about the beverage line, name tag station line, or even the line for the event. Just find a line.
Then plant yourself there.
Lines are high traffic, high density areas where:
You’ll naturally increase the likelihood of spotting somebody you want to chat with
You’ll maximize the chance of someone striking up a conversation with you
This is probably the easiest thing you can do.
Do an elevator pitch
Literally.
Someone pitched me and a few other community leaders the other day, in an elevator. Now she helps me run my events. It was brilliant. Well done.
Imagine you’re stuck in an elevator with a dozen strangers. It’s silent, it’s tense, it’s awkward. But here’s the thing: it’s full of people that probably want to meet each other. So break the ice!
It can be as easy as asking: “How did you all find out about this event?”. That then leads to:
“Have you been to other events?”
”What brings you here?”
“What are you working on?”
Boom. You’re friends.
That’s a wrap!
As with everything, it takes a tremendous amount of practice. The first few may be awkward but you’ll start to feel more comfortable over time.
Keep putting in the reps and eventually you’ll find “networking” to be an incredibly energizing and rewarding activity, rather than something that feels like a chore.
