Networking is useful for everyone. And for a PR manager, the ability to make useful connections is an essential skill.
In this article, I will share tips on how to not only meet people at events, but also how to make a lasting impression and stay in touch with them. These tips will be useful for anyone who attends conferences and meetups, wants to boost their personal brand, or make useful connections.
Prepare an elevator pitch
Let's start with the basics of networking: it's important to have an elevator pitch ready — a short and convincing self-presentation that will take 30–60 seconds while you're riding in an elevator with a stranger.
In this mini-presentation, you need to be concise and precise: introduce yourself and explain how you can be useful as an expert, and then back up your story with a compelling case study from your professional life. The main thing is that it should be an easy speech. There is no need to memorise everything word for word; it is enough to formulate the main points.
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Arrive early, leave late
The first to arrive gets the best contacts. Many people find it difficult to socialise when there is a crowd around, but there are always significantly fewer people at the beginning of an event.
When you stay for the afterparty, you have a great chance to make new acquaintances in an informal and relaxed atmosphere. Don't leave right after the official part — it's much easier to socialise over cocktails or a buffet.
Of course, you can also meet people in the smoking room or outside: in a relaxed atmosphere and in a small group, it is easier to find common interests and strike up a conversation.
Come to events with goals
It is worth coming to events and meetings with clearly defined goals. Think in advance about why you need networking in the first place. Perhaps you want to expand your professional network or establish useful business contacts to find a job.
Then set a goal for attending the next event — for example, to meet three people and exchange contact details. After the event, analyse the results: did you achieve your goal, and if not, why? This will help you better prepare for future meetings.
Fake it till you make it
Attending an event without friends is a guaranteed way to meet new people. It will probably be difficult at first, but stepping out of your comfort zone will be a great motivation to be the first to make contact.
You can even change your personality for a couple of hours: become open and confident in your expertise, if you are not already. Your attitude is very important, because it boosts the overall mood and energises everyone around you.
Listen, listen and listen again
People like to talk about themselves, so it's important to learn to listen carefully. Focus on your conversation partner, immerse yourself in their story, take a genuine interest — being interested in the conversation and engaged in the conversation plays a key role in getting to know someone.
Plus, the more questions you ask, the more memorable you will be to the other person.
Leave your phone alone
Remember that you came to meet new people and exchange contact details, not to mindlessly scroll through your social media feeds. You can scroll at home.
Put your phone away for a while and focus on live communication with those around you. This will help you to be attentive to your conversation partners, show genuine interest, build deeper connections and improve the quality of your networking.
