85% of job positions are filled through networking. While networking may seem overwhelming, learning how to network and develop business relationships is important to finding success in your career.
Do you want to learn more about how you can improve your networking at a corporate event? Keep reading this article to learn 8 networking tips for successful corporate events.
1. Don’t Follow a Script
Developing business relationships can feel forced and may even feel fake at times. Being realistic and being genuine with everyone you meet is an easy way to create real relationships.
One way to be sure you do not create a fake or forced relationship is to not follow a script. Many people encourage event participants to have an elevator pitch to give to their connections.
While this can be helpful, a quick elevator pitch may tell someone the most important parts about you.
For example, an elevator pitch will likely be focused on business or resume skills. To create real relationships, you can also talk about things that make you unique outside of work.
Be realistic and be genuine with everyone you meet at networking events.
2. Practice
Something else that can help you develop business relationships or improve your networking is to regularly practice. No one feels 100% comfortable approaching strangers and starting conversations, especially in work environments.
It is normal to be nervous! But, being nervous may make it more difficult to be genuine and show who you really are.
By regularly practicing your networking skills, you can improve your communication skills and become more confident at networking or corporate events.
3. Stay Present
It is also vital that you always stay present when you are meeting new people and networking at an event. One of the easiest ways to create a bad impression is to seem uninterested or preoccupied when you are talking with someone.
If you have your attention elsewhere or if you are not truly listening, it makes people feel undervalued and unimportant.
To stay present, you should try to maintain eye contact, intently listen to what they have to say, and respond when appropriate.
4. Never Dismiss Anyone
An important thing to learn in business is that everyone can provide value. When you make judgments about someone without knowing who they really are, you risk losing a great relationship or a valuable connection.
This is why it is vital that you never dismiss anyone as unimportant. Even if someone doesn’t have an impressive title or reputation, they can provide you with great connections, meaningful relationships, and more.
When you attend networking events, it is important to give everyone a chance.
5. Network Even if You Don’t Need It
Many people fall into the trap of only networking when they need it. They will only attend events when they are looking for a job or when they are trying to build their resumes.
However, networking, even when you don’t currently need it, is a great way to build and develop business relationships.
When you have these relationships, they will benefit you in the future when you need help with your career or when you are looking for answers. Make sure you attend networking events even when you are not currently looking for help.
6. Find Ways to Be Useful
When you are networking, whether to find a job or simply to create business connections, you may be searching for ways that other people can help you. However, you should always find ways that you can personally be useful rather than only asking others for favors.
After you connect with someone at an event, you can ask them if there is any way that you can help them. While they may not take you up on it now, they will likely reach out to you in the future!
7. Dress to Impress
It is also important that you know how to dress appropriately for any event that you are attending. The dress code will likely differ between events, so make sure you know the dress code and follow it.
While it seems bad to judge someone by their appearance, appearance is something that helps create a first impression.
When you are at a business event or a corporate networking event, you should always dress in business clothes or whatever dress code is specified by the event coordinator.
8. Don’t Forget to Follow Up
Finally, you can never forget to follow up after a networking event. When you connect with people at an event, you may feel like you can provide value for each other.
However, failing to follow up after a networking event will result in losing the progress that you made.
If you are networking and trying to find a job, it is always a good idea to get a business card or find another way to reach out to the people you met with. This will keep you at the top of their minds and may result in you finding a job!
Following up will keep your business connections and relationships from fizzling out.
Find More Business & Networking Tips Today
Whether you are just starting your career or finding investors or a business partner for your new business, networking is vital for your success. Not only can it help you make connections with others, but it will help you grow your business.
By following each of these networking tips, you will find more success at corporate events and will improve your netaworking skills.
Do you want to learn more about networking and business tips that will help you succeed? We can help! Check out our website for more articles on business services, developing business relationships, and more.
