How to network with Impact

Networking is an icky subject for many of the women I work with – the cliquey groups, the awkward conversations, the stale sandwiches on the buffet, the need to ‘sell yourself’ which feels embarrassing and arrogant, being stuck with ‘that man’ for ages and unable to excuse yourself, the event timings after work that don’t work with childcare commitments… argh!!!

Here are five top tips for effective networking:

1. Be Authentic and Build Genuine Relationships

• Tip: Ask questions about those you meet – Why are they there? What are they hoping to get out of the event? Anyone they particularly want to be connected with who you might know?

• Why It Works: It takes the pressure off you, and people are more likely to remember and help someone who is genuine and interested, rather than someone who seems self-serving. It’s also likely that they’ll ask you similar things back, so be prepared with your answers!

2. Leverage Social Media

• Tip: Use LinkedIn and other professional social media platforms to connect with industry peers, join relevant groups, and participate in discussions. Connect with interesting people before the event if contact details are shared. Share valuable content and engage with others’ posts to build your online presence.

• Why It Works: Social media allows you to reach a broader audience, stay connected with your network, and position yourself as a thought leader in your field.

3. Follow up after the event

• Tip: You’d be surprised at how many people don’t do this! Attend conferences, seminars, and networking events in your industry. When you meet someone, exchange business cards or connect on LinkedIn and be sure to follow up with a personalised message to continue the conversation.

• Why It Works: Face-to-face interactions create stronger connections, and timely follow-up helps keep you top of mind and demonstrates your interest in building the relationship.

4. Prepare an Elevator Pitch

• Tip: Develop a concise, engaging elevator pitch that highlights who you are, what you do, and what you’re looking for. Practice delivering it confidently, so you’re ready when opportunities arise. Focus on less than 10-15 seconds and keep it light on detail but focused on your outcomes.

• Why It Works: A well-crafted elevator pitch allows you to quickly and effectively communicate your value to new contacts, making a strong first impression.

5. Give Before You Take

• Tip: Offer help, advice, or resources to your network without expecting anything in return. Whether it’s making introductions, sharing information, or providing feedback, generosity often leads to reciprocal support.

• Why It Works: Networking is about creating a two-way street. By providing value first, you build trust and goodwill, which can lead to opportunities down the line. The networking is a ripple in a pond – introductions from others are a really strong way of credibly meeting others who could really support your career.

Don’t overthink these sorts of events, and remember to manage your energy – if you’re not a morning person, don’t drag yourself to a 7am breakfast. And worst case scenario, if you’re stuck talking to someone but it’s really not going anywhere, you can say “It’s been lovely talking to you but I’ll let us both mingle and perhaps catch you later?”

Good luck!

If you secretly know your networking approach and strategy is holding you back, and you've tried all the quick fixes, book a discovery call below with me to explore your personal brand and how we can make that work for you and your career.

https://calendly.com/coachandbloom/discovery-call