Fall Into Networking

By Shannon Marshburn

​Networking is a social skill I was not fully prepared for upon graduation. Networking is a heightened conversation where it benefits you to talk about work, but not too much work that it is boring, try to be memorable, but don’t talk too much about yourself. If you are trying to land a job or new position you should drop some experience or knowledge, but don’t make it seem like you are reciting your cover letter.  
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At UARF we have a few networking events coming up and I would like to help you prepare so you can make meaningful and lasting professional connections with confidence. 

How is networking different than having casual conversation? 
In the realm of networking, you are conversing to reach a certain goal. You go to networking events to promote business, connect offices, find new career opportunities, or other professional opportunities. At networking events it is ok if you want to talk about your new dog, but the idea of the event is to stick to more professional and career-based topics.  
Now that we better know what these events are, what else is there to know? 
 
Know your goal 
Before you walk into a room full of people, it will calm your nerves and help the conversation flow if you know some of your talking points. You don’t need to go as far as creating note cards of talking points, but it is helpful to know where you would like to steer the conversation so you can run through some topics beforehand if you wish to do so. Knowing your goal will help you to strategize conversations to be most beneficial to those connections.  
If your goal is to meet new people outside of the company for business propositions, then bring some business cards and some ideas about how your two companies can mesh for future business.  
If your goal is to meet higher ups in your company and work your way into a new position, get your elevator pitch ready with key features about yourself and research what the position is to relate your talking points to that.  
If you just want to meet new people, think of your top favorite facts about yourself/business to be able to share them and to be prepared when “put on the spot.” 
 
 
Body Language 
The art of reading body language is fascinating! That alone can determine where the conversation will go next, either an abrupt stop or a lasting conversation. Take a look at this video that dives into some quick basics, click here! 
Bondy language is usually the first impression people receive about your attitude and willingness to talk. Think about someone you would want to talk to. For myself, I’d like to talk with someone who is eye level, participates in the events, looks relaxed and open.  
 
Be comfortable and confident 
A networking event could include lots of standing, moving through crowds, and loud conversation. There is a lot going on with people everywhere so the last thing you want to take up your headspace is how uncomfortable you are in your pants. Make sure you plan ahead so that you are physically comfortable as well as mentally comfortable.  
This is where some practice could come in for the rescue! Have some talking points about yourself, or current events at the ready to not have that extra worry of stumbling over your words. 
 
Know where to be 
Did you know there is a good place to stand and a bad place to stand? If you are at the entrance of the venue, people are just walking in and are still placing their name tag on their chest and are not ready for a full conversation.  
Typically, when someone enters a new space, they need a moment to adjust, survey the room, and find the refreshments. Let the newcomer's breath for a moment and catch them as they leave the bar or snack table when they are ready to enjoy the offerings and mingle. This could also lead to an easy opening line for you, by complimenting the refreshments and starting the conversation on a positive note that you could both relate to! 
  
Networking should be a fun and exciting opportunity for you and your business to grow and connect with your community and with those you would never be able to meet otherwise. It is a skill and practice that can come naturally to some, and like me, it gets better with time. If your first few networking events do not come out as successful as you'd wish, take time to reflect on the event just know the next one will only be better!