How to Prepare for a Networking Event

You may have read my co-worker’s blog on creating your best elevator pitch. Now it’s time to think outside the elevator. Networking is one of the best things you can do to jump-start a new endeavor. Most of us have attended a networking event, whether it was a career fair, national conference, or a dinner meeting. Did you think of things afterward that you could have done differently? Believe me, it isn’t the easiest transition to go from awkward first introductions to awesome casual conversation. So how do you accomplish this? Below are four tricks of the trade to help present your best self in every networking event, get your name remembered, and seem like a pro while doing it.

One: If you aren’t yet elevator pitch perfect, read the blog above and come up with a 30-second universal spiel. This will include who you are, what you do, what you are looking for, and why you’re an asset to peers/employers. This should be short and to the point, so make sure that you aren’t talking about your entire life up to this point. That may be weird. Here’s an example: “My name is Breanna G. I am a part time yoga instructor, and help new graduate PT and OT students prepare for and find their first positions. I am endlessly searching for ways to inspire and assist others to pursue their passions, using innovative techniques to guide individuals to success.” Short, sweet, simple: done!

Two: Be prepared with business cards, a couple of resumes, or even sticky labels. Most conferences or career fairs will have a lead generation system that recruiters will utilize to reach back out to you after the event. By having pre-printed contact info (at minimum) you save yourself not only the hand-ache of writing your information down a thousand times, but also save vital conversation time that you may spend on writing. By doing this, you are showing evidence of many skills, including thinking ahead, time management, professionalism, and many more.

Three: While networking events may seem like a suitable time to travel in packs, this is YOUR time to have an employer or peer remember YOUR name. Try to attend these events solo, unless it is specifically stated that guests are welcome. With other friends and family members present, you are no longer the focus of attention and are less likely to drive conversation in the direction intended. When you are alone, you are more likely to engage in conversation with strangers and find common ground to connect with others. A few key conversation topics include: what brings the other person to the event, what got you interested in the purpose of the event, and hobbies/interests outside of the event.

Four:  If you want an employer or peer to remember your name, and I mean really remember it, make a mental note of their name and follow up. How often in those brief whirlwind interactions do you walk away without even remembering the person you talked to? You can’t honestly expect someone to remember your name if you can’t remember theirs. Get the other person’s business card or contact information and send them an email or letter thanking them for a great conversation (and include a brief recap of what was said or talked about). Additionally, try to connect with them on LinkedIn so they can remember you even further by tying a face with a name.

Whether you are a natural extrovert or not, making network connections is not an easy task. The best thing you can do in any networking environment is to be prepared and enjoy yourself. Focus on the quality of each interaction over the quantity of people you encounter, and you will make real connections to last a lifetime.

BreannaGibsonBreanna Gibson joined Aureus Medical Group in June 2015 as a Recruiter for the Laboratory Division, and became a part of the Student Outreach Team in the Rehab Therapy Division soon after. In her free time, Breanna enjoys yoga, reading, and trying out new recipes for her fiancé, Tony. She loves to travel, especially back home to Texas to visit her family. Breanna loves taking her two doggies, Sunny and Jake, on walks and to dog parks!

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