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Networking
How are some people able to go through a room gathering useful contacts whilst others hang about the coffee stand and leave early?
The basic principles of networking are straightforward and like many things, practice make perfect. It's true to say that some people are naturals, but everyone has what it takes to be remembered.
Be prepared
Think about what you want to get out of the event you're attending. Who do you want to meet? Which organisations do you want to learn more about? If you don't have time before you arrive, spend your first five minutes reviewing the show guide and highlighting key names. The best networkers use their time wisely and map out a route around the exhibition to get their networking done in the most efficient way.
Plan your intro
You'll be expected to say who you are and what you're looking for, so make sure you're ready. The beginning of a conversation is when you're most nervous, but it's when you can make the biggest impression. What type of work are you in and what are you looking for? What's your 60 second pitch that will sum you up when people ask?
The small print
If you're taking a CV make sure it's up-to-date and sings your praises. Make sure the contact name and email is on every page. If you have a business card then don't forget to hand it out. If you haven't been at work for long, or you're looking for a first job, then take along a summary of your skills and your contact details.
Bag the information
If you're attending an event to gather literature and business cards then make sure you have somewhere to put them. Take a pen so you can add notes to the information you're given. It'll help you remember who you met and what might be the next steps. If you're given lots of material then be organised about where you're keeping everything.
Dress the part
Wear something that is comfortable enough to walk around for a few hours, but shows you in the best light. Exhibitors are unlikely to take you seriously if you turn up in battered jeans, mucky t-shirt and muddy trainers. People make judgements quickly and that first impression can be helped by you looking professional and confident.
Be yourself
Real networking is about being genuine and authentic. There's no point in putting on a façade or trying to be something you're not. Every meeting is a chance to start a relationship. Have confidence in yourself and be honest about your experience and motivation.
Ask questions
This is your chance to find out information about potential employees. If you think you won't remember everything then write down some key questions in advance. It's your opportunity to make a judgement on the prospective employers and voluntary organisers too.
Sing about your achievements
If it's a crowded networking venue then you need to make an impression quickly. When asked about your job or skills talk about what you've achieved and not what the tasks were. It'll make you stand out from everyone else. It also gives the person you meet an interesting topic to start a conversation.
Who you talk to
It's not just the people on the stands that have something to teach you. Exchanging email addresses with someone you meet in a seminar or at the sandwich queue can be beneficial. If you're visiting the event on your own, it's always easier to approach someone else who's on their own. They might have been waiting to talk to someone for a while and be relieved that you have broken the ice.
Follow up
Prepare time the next day or week to follow up with the people you met. An email to thank someone for their time helps them remember you. It's a great way to ensure that they have your email address even if they've lost your card or CV. Your exhibition experience doesn't end when you walk out the doors.
Article provided by forum3.
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