Ever turned up at a networking event and walked straight over to people you know? My guess is yes. It’s a safe place, a comfortable place. And, strategically, it’s a great place to start — as long as you don’t stay there.
Networking is defined as “the exchange of information or services among individuals, groups, or institutions”, specifically “the cultivation of productive relationships for employment or business”.
In my mind networking isn’t meeting the same old people all the time so here are four ways to get out of your comfort zone and work the room.
- Approach new people at functions and say hello
Move out of your comfortable group of friends and walk up to another group or individual and say hi. I often approach people with the line “We’re here to network: I’m Patricia…” and I never get a cold shoulder. You will be surprised how easy it really is.
- Open up your group to new people
It is hard for someone to approach a group of people talking who have a closed circle. Try smiling at the person who is standing alone nearby and invite them to join you. Open the space up between people to allow others to move in. Pick up strays: you might end up meeting someone great.
- Find people you haven’t met face to face
If you are going to a conference or event where there is a list of attendees, review it and seek out people you have spoken to on the phone or by email, but haven’t met face to face. Find people with common interests – such as someone attending who you follow on Twitter, but don’t really know. Having a head start like that is a great ice breaker. If you can get a list of attendees ahead of time, consider making an arrangement with them to catch up.
- Host an event yourself
One surefire way to network is to host a function. Invite people you don’t know as well as ones you do. Your job as host will be to speak to everyone – and everyone will want to talk with you. Being host means you get to have a lot of short and sweet conversations and move on, avoiding getting stuck with one person. You will end up talking with everyone in the room as you move around, making introductions.
Networking is really a fun thing to do. Admittedly I’m a little biased. I love it. I really enjoy meeting people; I learn so much very quickly. Building relationships takes time. There is no doubt that being in an informal environment with a coffee or a drink allows a relationship to develop faster than it would in a meeting. So use it.