Ask the Experts: Types of Networking

Question: I've never been networking before and don't know what to expect.

So you've decided to go to a networking event, but not sure what to expect or what to take with you.  Firstly speak to the person that has either invited you or the organiser to find out what the usual format for the meeting is.

Round Table Networking

In these meetings it is usual for you to be given 1 minute (and yes it is usually timed) to talk about and promote your business. Have a think about what you want to tell the group and break it down roughly as follows:

10 seconds - Name, company name and what you do ie..  Donna Redshaw - Diamond PA Services - I am a virtual PA - I can cover everything a normal PA can except bring you your coffee in the morning!

30 seconds - Give more details on the main aspect of your role and why people should come to you for your services.

15 seconds - Use this time to let people know who you would like to be connected with, it could be someone in the room, a particular trade or ideally a specific client that you are trying to make contact with. The more specific you are the more likely you will get a positive response back.

5 seconds - Repeat your Name, Company Name and if you have one, your slogan or tag line - something that people will remember you by.

Make sure that you have a good supply of business cards with you, some groups will pass business cards around the room so that each person will be given your details, others will have a list to hand out with all the visitors details on the day. 

Make a note of the connections/call to actions that other people are looking for; often you will be given the chance to respond back to people and see if you can help them.  There should be no pressure to contribute to the group, but you will usually find that you'll be able to help someone in the room, but don't worry if you don't.

Open Room Networking

Here you may not get a chance to discuss your business with the room, but will be able to wander around talking to a variety of people.  If a sit down meal is included try and sit down with people that you have not been talking to at the beginning of the meeting, this will give you the chance to speak to as many people as possible.  If you find that there are people that you would like to speak to more in depth then arrange to speak to them for a 1-2-1 meeting outside of the networking meeting

One big no no when open networking is going around the room handing out business cards to every single person, you won't be remembered in a good way, just the pushy person who was too busy promoting themselves to not take in the other people in the room.  Take the time to talk to as many people as you can, if you make a good impression YOU are more likely to be remembered when someone is looking for your skills then just a name on a business card.

General Networking Tips

When you first start networking it is a daunting experience, but wear something that you are confident in - your lucky suit, your favourite tie, your best shoes whatever it maybe and walk in to the room confident and look for the other person who is not quite sure of what they are supposed to be doing, I can guarantee that someone else is feeling the same as you.  Good networking groups will have experienced visitors/members looking out for the newbies to show them how they work.

Most networking events either give you 1 minute to discuss your business or will be the open room networking.  Either way it is always best to have a 1 minute presentation in your back pocket ready to pull out should you need it and a good supply of business cards and or promotional literature to hand out. (Be sure that the group you are visiting allows promotional literature to be handed out, sometimes this is reserved for members only). 

A good networker is someone who is confident about their business but also is a good listener and helps to connect people outside of the meetings - this helps to cement you in people’s minds bringing you more referrals in the future.