Networking is the backbone of your professional career. It is the one thing that can help you create a lifelong relationship that may help you beyond professional needs. Unfortunately, for most people, just hearing the word networking is enough to make them nervous. They are so intimidated by the word networking that most people avoid networking events or conferences.
However, to grow your career, networking is essential. Not only does it help you find a better job, but you also learn skills that can help you become better at what you do. Thus, networking is a must, and here are a few tips to ensure your business networking is perfect.
Tip 1: Dress to impress
If you are exclusively going to an event with a dressing theme, do follow that. If you know that the goal of this event is for people to meet and network, dressing up correctly is imperative. If you are going to a conference or festival where you know that you may find networking opportunities, what do you do? There is no theme, do you wear a tux or dress or what? Well, dress professionally. If you are going to push your career forward, it is best to dress professionally and not show up at an event/conference/fest in PJs.
Tip 2: Carry business cards with you
Always carry business cards with you. It is best to have e-business cards as sharing information and following up with prospects is easy. However, if you prefer paper business cards, ensure that you carry ample of them in your wallet. Also, have some spare ones on your card, because if you do not have enough and neither have a digital business card, it can be embarrassing. No one wants to share contact details on a napkin. Right?
Tip 3: Do not over-rehearse your elevator pitch
Elevator pitch is the introduction you give to people whom you want to network with. Preparing it and keeping it short is a smart thing to do. Also, keeping it short is necessary as you do not want to bore people with unnecessary detail.
Another thing to remember is to rehearse your elevator pitch but not overdo it. When you meet people and introduce yourself, it should be natural. If it comes out as rehearsed, no one will have an interest in networking with you.
Keep it simple, just what you do and how can it help the other person? It is the only information you need to share in your elevator pitch.
Tip 4: Keep a smile on your face
Most people are strangers to you when you go to an event. Thus, keep a smile on your face. It makes you seem like an inviting person, and people want to come and talk to you.
Wrapping up, most people are intimidated by networking. Thus, keep smiling and be prepared. Every one of you is floating in the same boat. All you have to do is exert confidence, and your networking plan will yield better results.
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