How to Get the Most Out of Networking Events (In Person or Virtual)

A big part of any successful independent consultant’s business plan is networking—and that means meeting new people. Networking is a great way to grow your business, get the word out about your services, and learn from others in a similar industry or position. Connecting through professional platforms like LinkedIn is a useful way to work online avenues, but meeting people face-to-face is key to building strong relationships that can lead to benefits such as speaking opportunities, partnerships, or referrals.

As a solo business owner, it can be easy to get caught up in the daily grind of tasks, projects, and deadlines. Taking time once a month or every few weeks to attend a networking event is not only helpful in making new connections, but it can also be a great chance to learn new business trends, receive outside feedback on your ideas, or assess industry benchmarks. Follow these five tips to make the most out of networking events.

1. Do Your Research

When considering which events to attend, research the sponsoring organizations and affiliated people to see if they are a good fit for your business goals. Do they have an active membership or regular meetings? Are the group participants people you’d be interested in talking to? Check out LinkedIn or your Chamber of Commerce to find local groups, events, and resources.

2. Plan Ahead

Before you head to an event, set a goal for yourself. Perhaps it’s to speak with five new people, land one job lead, or become more comfortable describing your services. Be prepared to describe your business and what you do. Keep your elevator pitch short and simple, and avoid industry jargon. Remember, you can always go into more detail if asked.

If you have access to the guest list ahead of time do some research and see if there are specific people you’re interested in talking to. Think through a few conversation starters you might use, and questions you’d like to ask. A little preparation can help ease your nerves and give you confidence heading into an event.

3. Listen and Learn

A smile, eye contact, and a handshake are all you need to start a conversation. Many people at networking events will be eager to talk, and by allowing them to speak first you can drive the conversation with pointed questions rather than simply pushing your brand. Be sure to exchange business cards with people you’re interested in following up with. After a conversation, take a few moments to take some short notes (the back of the person’s business card is a useful spot) to help you remember the key points of your conversation. If you feel yourself getting stuck speaking with one person, it’s okay to politely excuse yourself and move on.

4. Follow Up

Be sure to follow up with the people you meet as soon as possible. LinkedIn is a great way to stay connected, but in order to be memorable and build a relationship, send an email as well. Here’s where your notes come in—personalize each email by saying why you enjoyed meeting the person or mentioning something interesting you spoke about. If there is any opportunity to do business together, suggest picking up your conversation again soon over the phone or over coffee. Let them know you want to learn more about their business and how you might collaborate.

Taking part in online networking events is a terrific method to grow your network of business contacts. The benefit of a virtual event over one that is physically conducted is that participants can attend from anywhere in the nation as opposed to only from where they now reside. This implies that you can expand your network outside of your area and state and encounter a far wider variety of people.

Here’s how to make the most of each online networking occasion you go to:

1. Be Ready

A few minutes before the event begins, ensure sure you’re prepared to go. Turn off computer notifications, check your webcam, silence your phone, and grab a beverage. Open a Word document or prepare a pen and paper so you can take notes.

2. Practice Active Listening

Instead of planning out your next move, it’s crucial that you pay close attention to what the other person or people in your group are saying. You not only show the other person respect when you listen intently, but you also benefit greatly from the talk.

3. Take Part in Conversations

A brief lecture or a few questions for discussion will typically start off a virtual networking event. Participate in the chat and take part in the discussions. You can establish relationships and get to know some of the other attendees thanks to this. Keeping your video on during this time is crucial for two reasons. One, it forces you to stay involved, and two, it may make you stand out if lots of other people are turning off their cameras.

Learn More: Tips For a Successful Zoom Virtual Meeting: Chats, Polls & More!