Ask yourself, what do I want to get out of this?
Do you want to spread awareness about a start-up project you’re involved in, get advice or even investment? Do you want to meet an industry leader who can become a valuable mentor and offer you an internship under his wing? Do you want to find a potential employer for open positions at their company? To have a successful conversation and gain an addition to your network having a goal in mind is essential. It will make networking less vague and lead to more effective connections that we all so badly want.
Starting the conversation
Have an open body posture and be approachable, avoid hunching or crossed arms. Introduce yourself and shake hands to create contact. Ask for their name and remember it. It is always impressive to use their name again at the end of a conversation. Let’s face it, how many of us forget it after the first sentence? Ask concrete questions about them. Avoid talking about yourself too much until asked or after your have found out their story.
Prepare your story
Networking is about short, but fruitful interactions with people, not a Sunday afternoon tea and biscuits conversation. Prepare in 4 to 5 sentences what the most important things you want to share about yourself are. Preparation is key. Show that passion!
MOST IMPORTANTLY: Listen
Networking and personal gains can take our focus away from actually listening actively and being engaged in a conversation. The last thing you want is to waste someone’s time. Show them your genuine interest and this will translate into them being impressed and want you on board!
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