How To Network In Person

According to a CNBC report, 70% of jobs are not published on job sites and 80% of jobs get filled based on professional and personal connections. So, what does this mean for you? Well, it means that to get your dream job, or any job, you need to network.

And after over two years in a global pandemic, many people have not had a chance to meet face-to-face, which can make networking feel intimidating. Even though it might seem scary, networking is a great way to make connections and is the key to getting your next professional opportunity.

Attending networking events is one of the best ways to grow your professional network. You can use these events to meet new people, including recruiters who may end up helping you find a new job. Even if you’re not looking for a job, you should still attend these events to keep building relationships, make more connections and work on refining your message.

To find in-person networking opportunities, you can use the network you’ve already built. You have more connections than you think. Ask your friends and colleagues about any events they’ve enjoyed in the past, or if they’ve heard of any interesting events in your community. You can also use your university’s alumni network to find events where you can connect with other alums.

Additionally, many organizations put on regular events for their industry, so it’s important to subscribe to newsletters and follow their social media accounts for information on upcoming events.

Making a good impression is important, but how do you do that?

First, you want to make sure that you’re dressed appropriately. For most professional networking events, you want to be dressed in “business casual” attire. This means dress slacks and a button-down shirt or blouse. You could also wear a knee-length skirt paired with a button-down or blouse, or a knee-length dress that covers your shoulders. Most importantly, you want to choose an outfit that makes you feel confident and comfortable, since you’ll be on your feet for a large portion of the event.

While clothes are a key aspect of a good first impression, you also want to ensure that you make the person you’re talking to feel welcome and comfortable. Your goal is to meet people, so if you’re a little shy and don’t like networking, fake it until you make it.

Finally, remember that when you network, your interactions and conversations should be relevant to the larger goal you have coming out of the event. This means researching which people and companies will be present so you can be prepared with questions and an elevator pitch. Whether your goal is to meet more people in your industry or set up future collaborations between brands, you need to research and prepare.

People love talking about themselves, so the best thing you can do at these events is to ask questions. When you ask a question, don’t just think of something to say in response, you need to genuinely listen. Aside from being a kind thing to do, it will help you stay more engaged and build a stronger connection with everyone you talk to.

Asking questions is also a great way to build credibility and enter a conversation. If you’re in a crowded room and hear a discussion you want to join, your best bet is to walk over to the group and listen, understand the main idea of the conversation, and then ask a question. It shows that you were paying attention, you’re willing to learn and that you’re respectful of the people around you.

One of the worst feelings in the world is trying to start a conversation out of nothing. At a networking event, you want the conversation to feel natural and genuine on both sides, so come prepared with question or points of discussion. These can be things like industry trends, news or even personality traits. If you’re feeling stumped, here are a few questions to get you started:

• Why did you choose to go into your field?
• How might someone start in this industry?
• What is your company’s culture like?
• How has your industry changed within the last few years?
• What is the most important skill to have in this industry?

The most important piece of body language advice is that you need to smile. Smiling will make you feel more relaxed, even if you’re faking it. It will also make you seem more approachable and friendly, something that will help you interact with more people. Next, when you’re talking to someone, use body language that shows you’re listening. Nod your head and use your eyebrows in response to what people say.

It’s also important to sit with good posture. Don’t slouch or hunch over, and make sure that you’re respectful of people’s personal space. You should be standing about an arm’s length away from the person you’re talking to.

You never know who a key member of your network will be. That’s why it’s crucial to talk to everyone at an event. Everyone is important. For all you know, the person you were rude to may be the reason you aren’t considered for a position.

When it’s time to end a conversation, it can be tricky to do it gracefully. You want to end it in a personal way and signal that you were listening to what the other person had to say. You should try to sum up the topics you’ve discussed, to show you were paying attention, and thank them for their time. Do not try to ghost them or give them the cold shoulder.

Remember, you should try to make every person you meet feel important; don’t let your exit ruin a great connection.

When you meet someone and have a great discussion, don’t forget to follow up. Some people like to do this with business cards, so make sure you bring some. However, the most common way people connect after a conversation is on LinkedIn.

When you connect with someone on LinkedIn after a networking event, send them a brief message letting them know that you enjoyed your interaction, reminding the person how they know you, what you talked about and thanking them for their time.

Networking is socializing with a goal in mind and it is an integral part of professional development. Whether you network to exchange ideas, connect with recruiters or learn more about other people in your industry, it gives you the opportunity to meet with people who can open you up to new ideas, strategies and opportunities.

Regardless of what you hope to learn, remember to present yourself well, ask questions and most of all be confident.