BreakDown: Connecting with purpose

Networking can be an intimidating thing for many people. Meeting new people for many is an anxious event and networking events are designed for you to meet as many people as fast as possible, an objective for many that are outright intimidating. With that being said networking is an essential part of any professional life, whether you are a business owner, a business professional or even someone looking for work, networking is often times the best way to get yourself and your brand out there. Events are often large or crowded and quite frankly not too inviting to newcomers who feel they are just jumping into the fray and talking to people. What do you even talk about? Who should you talk to? do you know why you are even there? all of these are questions that new networkers can find hard to answer and even as an experienced networker I struggle with also. Especially in the technology field, this can be even more daunting as many may feel they come under scrutiny with a wide range of expertise of talent within one room. This week's BreakDown goes into one of the essentials of business, networking and how you can get it done right. 

The first aspect of having a good networking experience is to come with goals. Knowing why you're at the event and what you intend to get out of it is a critical step in ensuring you actually find value in it at all. For example, if your working on a large project and could use the help, you might set a goal of networking with 5 different people who could be collaborators on a project. the earlier you can set goals for an event, the easier you will find it to be when you get there. In fact, I would go so far as to say that whenever I set goals as to why I'm there and who I am looking for, I find it much easier in finding that target person or people. Often people go to networking events just for the sake of going to networking events, while you will collect plenty of business cards, I guarantee you will always have a hard time finding real value out of it outside of chance. For those who may be intimated, setting goals is also a great way to help relieve the tension and anxiety of attending an event because you can regain control and be going on your own terms. One goal that should always be set when going to a networking event is that of enjoying the event as a whole. Networking is very fun, and setting the simple goal of enjoying it as a whole is a great help, you will meet some very interesting people, and you never know who people know. 

In networking, taking action helps greatly. If someone comes into your space, say hello and introduce yourself to begin the networking process. Again, you would be surprised who you can meet. On the other half of this coin though is to not stay with your comfort person. Sometimes those who are new to networking may find one person who they click well with and therefore stick with them the rest of the night or event. Try not to do this as not only does it hinder you from finding other potential networks, but you hinder them also. This leads into the next major aspect, which is don't be afraid to break off a conversation. Networking is like speed dating, you will have enough time to get a couple minute synopsis of each other before looking on other people (depending on the size of the event might affect this also if its a small event more time can be spent. if it's a conference, keep it short). Break off the conversation politely by telling them you would be interested in speaking to them outside the event with less noise or more focus and take their business card and contact info. I personally always brought a pen with me to networking events so that I could put small words or notes on someone's business card that I could go back to later. If I met someone I very much enjoyed I would add them on LinkedIn on the spot also. Keep it short and continue networking. 

Give first, receive later. One of the major points of networking is the give instead of receive mentality. Don't be so caught on what everyone can do for you but instead be interested in what you can do for them. You may even be able to go above and beyond by Connecting people with each other as This is a great way to show a higher level of sophistication and care. Also, it can be a great way to get out of the conversation by transferring it to someone else, and potentially shows a sense of almost owning the event by taking that kind of charge. Overall though, both parties will thank you for making a meaningful connection, and both will remember you for that also

Be curious about mutual benefit as the best and only relationship is a win-win relationship. Be curious as to how both parties can benefit from being a part of each other and networking. Ask questions about the person and LISTEN. See how you can collaborate and what you can do to benefit each other. Trust me, NO one wants to hear you rant for a half hour about how you were number one in your junior high sports league for 3 years in a row and how that had set you up for success later in life. As we have stated over and over again, The conversation should be more back and forth, and you should be listening at least 50% of the time. 

Having conversation balance will also let you know if networking with this person will be beneficial at all to you or them, if you have nothing to hit off on, chances are there isn't much to work on either. 

While these tips are overall, the underlying aspect is to have fun, have a plan, and be respectful. Networking events, in general, is still the best way to get yourself out there, but it doesn't have to be uncomfortable or downright scary. Take it one step at a time and you will have a great time.