How to Network and Why it is Important

Shake Hands with Anyone

Believe it or not, almost everyone feels awkward at networking events.  It is a room of people where people only know a handful, and they are not sure who they should talk to first.  Usually, the best approach is to introduce yourself to the first person you see.  When you begin to discuss your interests, that person will usually introduce you to the key people that you need to know.

For example, you see a woman standing near the entryway who is not already engaged in a conversation, just approach her.  The conversation will naturally flow, and then she will introduce you to another person.  This is the simplest way to work the room.  Eventually, you will come full circle.

Have a Variety of Topics in Your Back Pocket

You never know what you could have in common with a person--and people always surprise you.  Maybe you both have climbed the Sydney Harbor Bridge, maybe you both love deep-sea fishing, or maybe you both love to attend Major League Baseball games.  It is also smart to check current events right before you leave or on your way over to the event.  Sometimes a new headline might sneak its way into a conversation.  Just make sure not to make any super politically charged statements--it might turn people off.

Having a list of generic questions prepared is good, but having specific ones while revealing you did research before the event is even better.  Everyone loves telling stories without having to start at square one.  A notebook to write down pertinent information might be useful in this situation, just in case something really sticks out as interesting.

Make Sure to Get Their Contact Information

This is probably the simplest, yet most commonly made mistake.  Someone attends an event, has numerous spectacular conversations and no way to contact the people following the event.  I like to send a little thank you blurb to everyone that I met via email.  That way, you remind them who you are, and you stay on their mind.

Also, if you get business cards, it is useful to make a note on the back of each one.  You can write when and how you met them and your common connection.  This way, you will be able to remember who they are in case he or she invites you to coffee or another event afterward.

Don't be afraid to put yourself out there, and don't be afraid to show them who is boss.