Business Networking: How To Impress At Your Next Event

Attending a networking event soon? You’re likely looking for ways to make the most out of your time and leave a lasting impression. Networking events can be a fantastic opportunity to meet new people, build relationships, and promote your business. In this article, I’ll give you some tips on how to impress at your next networking event.

Step 1: Dress Appropriately

The first step in making a great impression at a networking event is to dress appropriately. Dressing professionally shows that you take your business seriously and that you respect the other attendees. Make sure to dress in business attire that is appropriate for the event. If you’re unsure about the dress code, it’s always better to overdress than underdress. Here is a Pinterest board with some examples.

Step 2: Bring Business Cards

Bringing business cards to a networking event is essential. Your business cards should include your name, job title, company name, and contact information. Ensure your business cards are clean, professional-looking, and easy to read. Handing out your business cards to other attendees is an excellent way to make a lasting impression and build new connections. 

Step 3: Be Prepared to Introduce Yourself

When attending a networking event, you should be prepared to introduce yourself to other attendees. Your introduction should include your name, job title, and a brief description of your business. Practice your introduction before the event to deliver it confidently and clearly. Remember to smile and make eye contact with the person you’re speaking with to show interest in them. Plus, keep it short, ask them questions back, and try to find common ground between your work so that you can continue a conversation and potentially make a lifelong connection.

Step 4: Ask Open-Ended Questions

As mentioned above, asking open-ended questions is an excellent way to start and keep a conversation flowing. Open-ended questions require more than a simple yes or no answer. Asking open-ended questions shows that you’re interested in the other person and their business. Some examples of open-ended questions include “What do you enjoy most about your job?” or “What challenges have you faced in your industry?” These conversations are truly what networking is all about. 

Step 5: Listen More Than You Talk

Even more than having the right questions, listening is likely the most crucial skill when it comes to networking. When speaking with other attendees, make sure to listen more than you talk. Listening shows that you’re interested in the other person and their business. It also allows you to learn from them and discover new opportunities. Make sure to ask follow-up questions and engage in active listening to show that you want to learn more about them. 

Step 6: Follow Up After the Event

Following up after a networking event is just as important as attending the event itself. After the event, take the time to follow up with the people you met. You can send a follow-up email or LinkedIn message thanking them for their time and reminding them of your conversation. This is also a great opportunity to connect with them on social media or schedule a follow-up meeting to continue building your relationship.

Although they may seem overwhelming and intimidating, networking events can be an excellent opportunity to meet new people, build relationships, and promote your business. By following these tips, you can make a great impression at your next networking event and start building new connections. If you are looking to host a networking event in San Diego County, we are here for you. Contact us today!