Standing out from the crowd is one thing, but being memorable and genuinely unforgettable is key to networking success, and for many, is the difference between getting a job and…Not.
In this article we’re going to look at how you can effectively take advantage of networking events to ensure that you not only meet the right people, but that you’re prepared for the task of getting yourself truly noticed.
Be Remembered – Successful Networking Tips
Have a Plan
It’s an obvious starting point, but by planning for a networking event and doing your research you will increase your chances of meeting up with the right people and understanding the key focus of the event.
Keeping up with the latest industry news is also very important, so be sure to update yourself before the event, as it’s likely that you will be asked cheap cialis online questions about breaking news stories or enter a discussion about the latest updates – don’t let an opportunity to excel in an area of knowledge slip you by.
Be Prepared
As you want to have a plan in place for a networking event, you also want to be prepared, and by this I mean have your elevator pitch ready, get your business cards printed and ensure that anyone you meet knows how they can get hold of you after the event. Have you updated your LinkedIn profile? Is all of your latest and most relevant information and experiences listed correctly?
You never know who you might bump into, so preparation is key. If faced with a key decision maker within a company you’d love to work for it’s important to allow yourself to take advantage of the situation, so that you can make the next step in your career.
Run through your pitch in front of a mirror or try it out with a family member or close friend. Make sure you’re happy with how it sounds, how it projects you and your career desires and most importantly that it only takes about 30 seconds. Following this up with a business card (listing your professional social networks as well as your contact details) will make all the difference.
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Pre-Arrange generic cialis online Meet-Ups
There’s a lot one can do before a networking event to ensure you meet up with the people who can help you to build your professional network and, in the case of those looking to make career changes, Headhunters, Recruiters and key hiring decision makers. By joining any of the official online networking groups associated with the event you’ll be able to get an insight into a number of the people who are likely to be there. You can also see if there are any speakers attending that would be worth engaging.
Industry specific forums and discussion groups (many of which can be found on LinkedIn) will also help you to find out who’s going to each event. Send a message out saying that you’ll be attending an event and ask who else will be going, this way you’ll be able to engage with like-minded industry professionals and even arrange to meet at the event – this is a perfect way to build up your professional network.
Follow-Up
Always reconnect with a contact that you met at such an event. By sending them a LinkedIn request, or an email, a phone call, or a combination of those. You’ll instantly cement yourself in their minds, whether it be as a person they can re-engage with at future events or as a potential candidate for a future job opening. Follow-ups should also be done within the first week of meeting someone, so be sure to take action sooner rather than later.
By planning each networking event that you attend you’ll be able to take full advantage of what they have to offer – the public speakers, the other attendees, the future networking possibilities. This means you’ll be able to build your network of like-minded professionals and key decision makers who, in the long term, will be just the people you need to make a career progression.
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One Comment
nigel
February 17, 2014 at 6:17 am