Networking 101

Here at TEWS with over 20+ years of experience working with a variety of organizations in the Central Florida market we take a different approach to interacting with both prospective candidates and clients. Here are some helpful tips when attending your next Networking Event, Meetup, or Social.

Be more than a Business Card

Everyone has met the individual at a Networking event that before you even get to introduce yourself, a business card is being hurled at you at Mach speed. To some, this can come off as impersonal and pushy. Instead, try asking them where they are from, what brought them to the event, or simply what they do? This helps to break the ice and makes the conversation much less awkward and ultimately makes following up much easier. After all, you never know who you’re meeting at an event, it could potentially be your next employer or prospect.

Do’s and Don’t of Networking

This is so important for a few different reasons, but here are three to always keep top of mind.

1. Remind yourself why you took time out of your day to attend the networking event. In other words, what is your goal? It could be to meet 4 new people you don’t know, or meeting a potential prospect that you know will be there. Having a goal top-of-mind will keep you focused and help you maximize your time at the event.
2. Know your audience if you are going to an event that is focused on a specific topic. Do some research on the topic being discussed so you can carry a conversation with other attendees. This is another way to break the ice with someone you would like to meet.
3. Lastly, be responsible. If you are attending an event that provides alcoholic beverages, know your limit. The last thing you want do is misrepresent your organization, but more importantly, yourself.

Have an elevator pitch ready….and GO!

These three things an elevator pitch should include will help a potential prospect not completely tune you out and give an in-depth understanding of what you do or what the organization you represent does.

1. Make it short and sweet. Typically an elevator pitch should last no more that 20-30 seconds. Be confident, concise, and funny. Yes, I said funny. It not only helps you stand out but allows for the conversation to flow much easier.
2. Next, adjust on the fly. You must be able to cater your pitch to whomever you’re speaking to. Which leads me to my 3^rd and final tip…
3. Repetition is the mother of all mastery. Don’t “wing it” when it comes to what you will say when a prospective client or candidate ask what you do. This will help you present yourself in a professional light and give that individual an understanding who you are what you are there to achieve.

In closing, I hope that you found some of these tips to be useful and make a difference in what you get out of your next Networking event! Happy Hunting!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mike Martinez, Business Development Manager