Events play a big role in business, and it’s up to you to make the most of them with your networking skills.
So, you’re heading off to a fancy business function where you’re going to be in the middle of the industry’s top minds. If you blow it, you can kiss your future goodbye, because no matter how you perform in the office, everyone will remember you for that one time when you did that one thing. If you want to maximise the opportunity in front of you, here are a couple of tips to help you achieve your goals:
1. Remember at all times that you’re representing your company. Behave the way your boss would expect and don’t bring your company into disrepute through your actions. You don’t want to go to work the next day and be called straight into the boss’s office, do you?
2. No matter what has happened to you in business with other companies or people, do not speak badly of anyone. Word of mouth travels quickly and you won’t only get a reputation for being someone who talks trash about people, you’ll also have to answer these people and companies when they find out what you’ve said about them.
3. It doesn’t matter who you’re chatting to while networking, always show them respect. You never know, the ordinary-looking person you’re talking to might be the boss of a multinational corporation and the last thing you want to be doing to someone that powerful is be rude to them. Also, everyone has to start somewhere, don’t treat people badly just because their careers are starting off and they’re working hard in their position.
4. It’s important to do your homework when attending events. Find out who the big players are, what the event is about, and what the event’s focus means for the future of the industry. Beauty – and precision – is almost always in the details.
5. How awkward is it when a company bigshot asks for your business card and you’ve forgotten them at home? Or you are introduced to someone important at the spur of the moment and are granted an exclusive interview only to find that your dictaphone batteries are flat or your pen is out of ink? Prepare, prepare, prepare!
6. Desperation is not a great quality and trying too hard can become irritating to those you’re talking to at the events. Just relax and be yourself – the calmer you are, the less you likely you are to make mistakes and come across as someone who is in over their head.
7. The saying goes: first impressions last. And it’s true. Be sure to be punctual, well dressed, and have a great attitude that will make people remember you for your positives.
8. Probably the most important rule: don’t get drunk!
Networking events can be a whole lot of fun, but they are also very important when it comes to your success as a businessperson. All you need to do is know how to network well and you could find yourself making friends in high up places. And this can only mean well for your business.
