Five Tips for Networking

28 Apr 2015

Few people relish walking into a room full of strangers. But networking is an important part of business and honing the skills required is worth the effort. Here’s how to make the most of your next networking opportunity. 

1. Plan for it

Despite what a potential boost to business it can be, networking often doesn’t get the attention it deserves—particularly for those who don’t feel comfortable doing it.

To help with that, look for networking events that interest you and align with your business goals. Then make attendance a priority. While there’s no formula for the amount of networking you should do, keep in mind that the more effort you put in the more likely you are to get positive results.

The Chamber regularly hosts networking events designed to appeal to a variety of business professionals. For example, each month the Newmarket Young Professionals Group (an initiative to bring together like-minded individuals under 40), holds fun after-work get-togethers around Town and the Chamber hosts a breakfast networking event most months.

2. Nail your pitch

If you haven’t already, it’s a good idea to get your elevator pitch down before attending another event. That’s because “What do you do?” is probably the number one question that you’ll get asked and how you answer it can mean the difference between standing out and blending in.

An elevator pitch is a 20- to 30-second summary about what you do. It’s not simply about selling your product or service—it’s about enticing people to want to know more about you. For example, instead of saying “I’m a mortgage broker. I help people get the lowest interest rate on their mortgage” you might say something like “I’m a mortgage broker. I get people the lowest interest rates on their homes and help them save thousands of dollars over the life of their mortgage”.

It’s a good idea to put pen to paper to work out your pitch but don’t forget that people generally don’t speak the way they write. Once satisfied with your pitch, practice saying it out loud. Tweak it so that it sounds conversational.

3. Step outside your comfort zone

From across a crowded room full of chatting strangers you spot someone you know. While it may be tempting to rely on a friendly face to get you through an awkward occasion, don’t let yourself forget that you’re there to meet new people and make connections. Go and say hello and use the opportunity to greet others around that person but don’t cling.

4. Keep it real

Your mom was right: If you want people to like you, just be yourself. You’ll find that there are all sorts of people at varying career stages at networking events. Like you, they’re there to grow and develop professionally and connect with like-minded individuals.

Your body language speaks volumes about how you’re feeling, so pay attention to it—particularly if the idea of networking makes you want to blend into the background. Engage with people around you. Smile, ask questions and give individuals your full attention.

5. Grow those relationships

Be sure to exchange business cards with any individuals that you’d like to potentially work with. Keeping track of the many people you meet at these sorts of events isn’t always easy so it’s a good idea to jot down a few points on the back of cards to help jog your memory later on.

Follow up is key to deepening the connections you make so don’t just toss those cards into a desk drawer and forget about them. Instead, make a point of staying in touch. Send emails, call or reach out via social media (through your business accounts). Getting face time—by going for coffee or lunch together—is another great way to strengthen business relationships.

There’s always something going on at the Chamber! Check out our calendar for a list of this month’s events, programs and workshops.