How to Survive a Corporate Networking Event (490 hits)
Networking is a necessary part of your career development planning. Some advantages to career networking are that it can help you establish relationships with key people and information to either advance your career, help you maintain it, or even transition to a new one. This article will provide key tips to help you survive your next event.
The scene is a common one. You arrive at the organization’s event – palms sweaty, nervous rumble in the pit of your stomach, big question mark in your head. Why am I even here?
You were told it is important to attend. That this type of event can make or break your career.
You, my friend, are at a corporate networking event.
Survival tips:
* Adopt a promotable mindset.
Instead of thinking of all the reasons why you do not want to be there, remember that this is your chance to create mutual connections. When you have a genuine interest in others’ well-being, you can connect in a way that allows you to authentically share what you have to offer and gain resources that will help you.
* Be prepared.
Never go to an event without your business cards. If you want people to get to know you, they can’t do it in a 2 hour event. You will want to follow up and you want them to have a means of following up with you. Your contact information will include your social networking links (e.g. LinkedIn, Facebook).
* If you don’t know what to say, listen and ask good questions.
Part of the reason so many people dislike networking is that they believe they have to know what to say. There is no magic formula for this, however, it is true that some people are better at verbally communicating and they enjoy it more.
If you are an introverted communicator, one tip for you is to have a set of common questions you ask – like, “What field do you work in? What’s the biggest challenge your industry is facing right now? What type of clients do you want to attract?” Then use your powerful listening skills to learn how you can mutually benefit each other.
* Have an objective that meets your needs.
Before you attend the event, think of one outcome you would like to walk away with. Perhaps it is as simple as meeting one person you have something in common with. Or maybe it is that you’d like to meet three prospective mentors. Whatever it is, decide before you go so that you have clarity on why you are there and you can maximize your time during the event.
* Take notes for next time.
Every interaction with another person or group is a chance for you to learn something. Evaluate your networking approach, consider what you might do or how you might interact differently next time.
Career networking can be a tremendous career management tool if you use these survival techniques.
About the Author: Tanya Smith of Be Promotable helps ambitious working professionals get the promotion of their dreams. To get instant access to her free special report on how to surefire steps to get promoted stop by and visit http://www.bepromotable.com/.
