Networking is a valuable tool in business to make useful connections and promote yourself and your business. However, if you’re new to networking, it can be intimidating. It is easy to overthink how to make a good impression and how to successfully network. The key to this is to make a good and lasting first impression on others at the event. Knowing how to introduce yourself confidently can lead to engaging and successful interactions and possible opportunities down the line.
Discover the best strategies to make a good first impression when networking to help you approach people and walk into the event confidently.
Research the event
Make sure to research the networking event thoroughly so you are knowledgeable about the aim and the audience. This allows you to be prepared and know talking points that others will be interested in. People will react more positively to you as you can craft topics tailored to the event and audience. This leads to more engaging and useful conversations.
Dress for the occasion
The easiest thing to do to be prepared for networking is to dress appropriately for the event. After researching the event you will know if it is a formal or informal vibe. For formal events, wear your best clothes and ensure that your outfit is clean with no creases. However, for more informal events try to wear more business casual attire, this could be a shirt/blouse and jeans.
Ensure everything is neat and clean and try to strike a balance between unique and expressing yourself while still being appropriate at the event. You want to stand out from the crowd without looking out of place. A great way to do this is through unique colors, patterns, and jewelry. You could even use everyday jewelry for men and women, such as a stylish watch or necklace.
Be clean and groomed
Ensure that you look smart and are clean. Take a shower before the event and have neat hair. If your hair is uncontrollable, it could be time to have a haircut beforehand. Have trimmed facial hair for men and, for women, do simple makeup. Try to smell nice through perfume/aftershave and deodorant too.
Be on time
Many networking events are more informal, giving you the opportunity to socialize. Due to this, punctuality isn’t always the highest priority. However, if the event you’re attending has a schedule of activities, ensure to be on time and enter before the scheduled plan. Try not to arrive too early when no one’s around as it could be hard to settle, yet don’t arrive too late after the activities as you may leave a negative impression.
Share something personal
When you’re introducing yourself, avoid diving right into your job. Instead, to make a lasting first impression, share something personal and unique. Ensure this isn’t job or business-related so that you stand out from the crowd and be more memorable. Plus, doing this gives a relaxed opening to conversations. Try not to overthink what to share, it can just be as simple as stating you’ve never been to the place where the event is held or that they’re serving your favorite food. Make sure to switch it up as you network with other people.
Ask questions
Asking questions leads to clarity and connection. Steer away from making the conversation about you by asking questions. This shows interest in the person and gives them an opportunity to gauge your interests and passions through your reactions. Make sure to be confident and pleasant and really get to know the other person on a personal and business level. Stay alert for points of connection and remember their name to make the conversation personal, leaving a great impression.
Control body language
Body language makes an even bigger impression than your words. Be aware of your body language as it can give away what you’re truly thinking and feeling. Try to hold yourself in good posture, ensuring your back is straight and your shoulders are back. This makes you appear more confident, even if you’re not feeling it. In conversation, be active and open your arms and legs to appear open and trustworthy.
Give eye contact
Eye contact is a huge indicator of your interest and feelings. If you avoid people’s eyes you can easily leave a negative first impression. However, this can also be the case if you stare too much into their eyes. Strike a balance between eye contact that shows you’re engaged and prolonged eye contact that can leave people feeling uncomfortable.
Be passionate
When talking about work and business, ensure to speak passionately about what you do. Have enthusiasm and sound like you know what you are talking about. Doing this shows your expertise in the field and shows how much your work means to you. This engages the other person and allows them to pick up on similar interests to discuss.
Listen more
Try to spend more time listening than talking. Pay attention to what other people are saying rather than being in your thoughts about what to say next. People can easily tell when you’re engaged and are keen to hear what they have to say. If you interrupt by talking about yourself, you can show that you’re not interested.
Avoid distractions
Distractions can ruin good first impressions instantly. Being distracted by your phone or something else that’s happening at the event can show others you’re not serious and are uninterested in them. When you meet someone take measures to avoid distractions. Put your phone on silent and store it in your pocket or bag and zone out everything around you. Focus on them for the duration of the interaction otherwise, you can risk losing that contact.
Be yourself
Throughout the first impression and interactions, be yourself and be authentic. If you try and act out of character or like someone else, you can lose credibility and the potential to build meaningful relationships. Being yourself shows people the true you so they know what you are about and who you are. Don’t worry if someone doesn’t seem to like you, it just means they’re not the right fit for you. You will find someone who likes the authentic you.
Be prepared for any networking event by implementing these best strategies to make a good first impression when networking. Whether you’re totally new to networking or are a pro, these strategies can ensure you make a positive first impression that lasts. This allows you to be memorable and stand out from the crowd, building vital relationships.
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