10 Networking Strategies for Beginners

It can be intimidating to walk into a roomful of strangers. As an emerging professional, it’s natural to feel nervous and unsure of how to act.

The good news is that attending networking events becomes easier over time. The more you practice, the more confidence and skills you will build.

The following 10 tips will help turn beginners into pros.

1. Do your research

If you can see who’s attending, look them up on LinkedIn. It will earn you instant respect if they find out you took the time to learn more about them beforehand. It also doesn’t hurt to connect with them and send a direct message that you look forward to meeting them.

2. Have a game plan

The employment website Indeed suggests setting a goal before you attend a networking event, such as planning to meet 10 new people that night. Prepare a ​​”script” that includes your first and last name, your company or industry, and a key detail about yourself that will help them remember you.

3. Be yourself

People can sense inauthenticity right away. Avoid creating an image in your mind of who you want to portray and be who you are. Talk about topics that interest you and ask questions that you genuinely want to know the answers to. 

4. Start with a compliment

There’s nothing like a little praise to break the ice, as long as it’s sincere. If you saw the individual make a presentation earlier in the day, share what resonated with you. Don’t go overboard in your praise, just be honest.

5. Be curious

Approach a networking event as a chance to learn. Meeting planners love to talk about their programs — the good, the bad, and the ugly. Don’t be afraid to ask them questions about what went well and what they would do differently. 

6. Dress well

Lisa Appiah, a career strategist and personal branding consultant. stresses the importance of what you wear. “When you dress well, it helps you feel more confident. Always add a pop of color, because bright colors are actually an amazing conversation starter.”

7. Avoid giving off the wrong cues

Staying on the sidelines instead of circulating throughout the room, sticking with a group of friends, and checking your phone all signal a lack of interest. You might not even realize you’re coming off that way, but it won’t help you make new contacts.  

8. Hone your small talk skills

Some people can talk about anything and nothing for hours, while for others, especially introverts, small talk might not come as easily. A couple of rules of thumb are: 1. Keep things casual (no money, no politics, no religion) and 2. Keep things positive (no gossip, bad-mouthing, or complaining.)

9. Practice makes perfect

There’s a reason why business schools have so many clubs and mixers, and offer workshops on skills like elevator pitches: They’re all opportunities for students to hone their verbal and non-verbal communication skills. But you can practice skills like how to shake hands or make eye contact on your own, with the help of a friend or colleague.

10. Follow up

Connections made at a cocktail reception are only the beginning of the relationship. Within 24-48 hours, be sure to connect with everyone you met via email or LinkedIn. Include a short note referring to the specific conversation and a call to action if it’s appropriate.