I've learned that networking doesn't come naturally to everyone, even for an extrovert. I'm not a natural speaker or social butterfly. In fact, I often feel socially awkward in venues filled with strangers.😥😰 Even during small talk, I struggle to find conversation topics. 🫠 However, with my friends, I'm quite talkative. Here are some strategies I've developed to improve my networking skills:
Practice Makes Perfect
Attend a variety of events that interest you - not just professional gatherings, but also parties and social events. These can help hone your networking abilities. I practice my skills during running events, where I meet many strangers in a casual setting. (check out how to find your running communities)
It's similar to a conference or networking event but more relaxed. You don't need extensive industry knowledge; instead, focus on building confidence in speaking to strangers and overcoming social anxiety.
I categorised them into three levels:
Social: Running events
Professional but casual: Meetup groups, product community events
Highly professional: Conferences
Research Before the Networking
If you're attending a conference, investigate which companies will be present and identify industries you're particularly interested in learning about.
When I attended my first conference last year, I studied the agenda and marked specific speakers I wanted to connect with. I also researched networking techniques, including conversation starters, situational handling, and graceful exits (I bet you are reading this to prepare yourself ☺️). Having a few topics in mind makes you less nervous.
Prepare Questions and Conversation Starters
For conferences with specific targets - like speakers you want to connect with - conduct some LinkedIn or company research to formulate relevant questions. There are numerous templates available online for opening and closing conversations, which can serve as helpful references.
Dont forget to craft a self-introduction, Prepare a brief, engaging introduction about yourself that highlights your key attributes and interests.Define Your Networking Purpose or Set a Goal
To make networking more effective, set a specific goal for each event. I usually aim to make LinkedIn connections with at least 2-3 people and have in-depth conversations that leave a positive impression.
Follow Up After the Event
LinkedIn is an invaluable tool for maintaining connections. After the event, draft personalised follow-up messages related to your previous conversations. Avoid generic messages, as you're trying to build meaningful connections and make a lasting impression. Consider suggesting coffee chats 💬 to further develop relationships - you never know where these connections might lead.
Remember, networking is a skill that improves with practice. I'm still learning and growing in this area, but these strategies have significantly boosted my confidence and effectiveness in networking situations.