Do These 3 Things Before You Go To Another Networking Event (Christmas Parties Included!)

Raise your hand if you hate small talks and would rather watch your favourite series on Netflix than go to a networking event!

I hear you, and you're not the only one feeling this way, but you know networking is important for your career, business, and social life too! So what are you gonna do about it?

Even though I like meeting new people, I also felt this way at times. The ice-breaking part is usually the one I enjoy the least. Then, once I've passed that, I relax and get in my chatty mode.

Throughout the years, especially since starting Step Up with V, I've learned some things about networking that I hope can be useful for you too.

Here are 3 things you need to do before you go to another networking event, Christmas parties included!

1. Research the event

If you've signed up or said yes to your friends or colleagues, congrats! You've made it to the other side of the comfy couch+Netflix combo. However, how much do you know about the event or party you're going to?

Is it a large or small event? Is it formal or informal? Is there an agenda including presentations? Is the event around a specific theme? Is it a general drinks and mingle kind of thing?

Who's gonna be there? Do you know anyone? Is there anyone attending who you'd like to connect with?

You don't need to know every detail but having some information on the event will help you prepare and make the most of it.

Oh, did I forget the location? I almost did! If it's not an informal event where you can be fashionably late, please do check where the event is taking place beforehand, especially if you live in a big city. The last thing you want is to miscalculate the time it takes to get there and find yourself running to the event door with your face looking like a red bell pepper (true story!), while all the others are already there mingling and looking cool.

2. Prepare your intro

How are you gonna answer the usual question "what do you do?" Because it will pop up!

In essence, you need to have a ready-to-go mini elevator pitch to say what you do, who you work for/with, and how you add value to them/what kind of results you create. You can also add something about what you're interested in learning or doing next. The last part is especially important if you're looking for a new opportunity or want to expand beyond what you're currently doing.

You should be able to deliver it in about 30 seconds or less and the goal is to create curiosity in the person who’s listening so they'll want to know more about you.

It’s also important that you practise your elevator pitch at home and make sure that it feels authentic to you and doesn’t sound like you are reading from a script.

Here are 3 examples:

"I’m a software developer for [company]. I create innovative engineering solutions to offer better services and products to our customers. I’m also learning more about virtual reality and its applications, and I'd love to be more involved in this field in the future."

"I'm a consultant for companies who are going through a phase of reorganisation and digital transformation. I help them communicate and implement the new structure while maintaining employees’ engagement. Going forward, I'd love to learn more about employer branding to help organisations build their reputation as employers."

"I help busy executives develop their leadership skills, manage their time and avoid burn out so they can create a positive impact in their organisation and industry. I also deliver workshops on the importance of health and well-being for professionals in leadership."

Note: Having an elevator pitch doesn't mean you can't be spontaneous. On the contrary, because you've prepared, you'll feel more confident, relaxed and you might even gonna start loving this whole networking deal!

3. Plan your outfit

What are you gonna wear? This may seem a detail but it's not, and the last thing you want is to quickly pick something random at the last minute. Your personal image and style say a lot about you and, naturally, it's the first thing people see before they even get to talk with you.

• Pick an outfit that flatters you, makes you feel confident and comfortable
• Pick shoes that are not gonna kill your feet if you're standing or walking around
• Match your style with your personal brand - if you have a colourful and vibrant personality, your outfit should reflect that. There's always a way to dress down or up while keeping your own style.

Last but not least, make sure your grooming is on point - it doesn't matter whether you're wearing a fancy outfit, if your nails look ugly or your hair looks like you've just got out of bed. You get the point!

To conclude, I can't guarantee anything, but I'm pretty confident that if you do these 3 things, you're gonna have a good time, whether connections and opportunities may or may not come out of your networking efforts. Stay open to meet new people, have fun and say bravo! to yourself for doing your part. Consider it like a gym training - you won't get great abs by going a couple of times, but you'll still feel good after exercising, and the more you do it the more it'll get easier and you'll start to see results.

Do you have any tips you'd like to add to help your fellow professionals and entrepreneurs become better networkers, or shall we say better party people? Share them in the comments below!

About the author

Hi! I'm Veronica Mesuraca. I'm a Personal Branding Consultant & Coach, founder of Step Up with V. I guide professionals and solo-entrepreneurs to define, package and communicate their value, expertise, personality and goals so they can land the career and business opportunities they want. My programs give clients the tools and guidance to identify what makes them stand out, clearly articulate what they offer and what they're looking for, create a compelling elevator pitch and LinkedIn profile, and gain visibility, in person and online.

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