Engineering Your Networking Experiences
As a business owner, networking is essential to making your business thrive, but if you’re an introvert, networking may not be something you enjoy. In today’s environment, virtual networking is our only option and, luckily for introverts, it can be easier than networking in person. Try a structured approach to these virtual events and you may find you have better networking experiences.
Before
Let’s start with what may be the most important step: Find the right networking event. Go to events with like-minded folks where you already have something in common. You can find these on Meetup.com, in professional organizations like AIIP, or at events that cater to your interests and goals.
Once you’ve decided which networking event you are attending, consider creating a goal to motivate yourself: What do you want to accomplish? How many people do you want to meet? What would you like to learn?
Your last step before the event is to prepare/rehearse some topics you can discuss with others. For instance, what will you say when someone says, What do you do? or Where do you work? Be prepared with something interesting but concise. You want to give them enough information to pique their curiosity, but not so much that they already feel they know what they need to know.
During
The day has finally arrived, and you’re nervous but determined. Give yourself plenty of time to get online and make sure your technology works. Does your audio and video work? Is your name showing up accurately? What kind of functionality is available with the platform: can you chat and see the other participants? Get comfortable and evaluate your options for interaction.
Whether in the chat or in a breakout room, ask questions and show interest in their responses. Be prepared to say something about whatever you ask them about: some thoughts on the keynote or what you like about the conference so far. Balance your questions with answers to keep the conversation moving.
Lastly, take notes on folks you would like to connect with after the event. In most virtual platforms, participants’ names are right there next to their pictures; also note other details about your discussions, what they do, and what you talked about to help you craft a nice note during follow-up.
After
Two essential parts of the networking cycle that people often forget are to follow up and to keep in touch. If you don’t take these steps, you’ve wasted your time and energy at the networking event!
How do you follow up? The easiest way to follow up with your professional acquaintances and friends is on LinkedIn. If you’re both on LinkedIn, this is a simple way to get and stay connected. Send a nice note with some pertinent details about your conversation and ask to connect. If you or they are not on LinkedIn, then send them an email with a nice note and some pertinent details about the conversation.
How do you keep in touch? Being active on LinkedIn makes this easier, where you can like or comment on their posts, but emails and calls on a monthly or quarterly basis can be a part of your strategy, too. Virtual events, including happy hours and coworking, can also be a great way to meet and stay in touch with folks.
In summary, having good networking experiences requires a structured approach, especially if you are new to it. Do the necessary research and preparation BEFORE the event. DURING the event, make the most of the platform and opportunities to chat and interact with others. AFTER the event, follow up and stay in contact with your new “friends.”
Kelly Schrank, MA, ELS, has been in technical and medical communication for over 20 years. Through her business, Bookworm Editing Services, she brings consistency, structure, and clarity to her clients’ content regardless of whether she is writing content like blog posts, style guides, and standard operating procedures or editing formulary dossiers, manuscripts, proposals, slide decks, and training materials.
