Nuts & bolts of networking

Amber Raney-Kincade, Marketing Consultant recently spoke at the UEA London centre about networking.   She split her session into three sections and made the following key points:

Before networking:

• Create a network plan
• Prepare an 'elevator pitch'
• Request an attendee list and do some research

During networking:

• Arrive early, before groups have formed
• Look for a familiar face that can introduce you to others
• Smile, shake hands and don't sit by yourself!
• Try to communicate and engage with everyone
• Walk up to a small group, start listening and engage with questions like 'Hello, do you mind if I join you?'
• Stimulate the conversation by asking questions like' What do you do?'
• Remember you don't have to talk about business - find a common area of interest
• Make notes on their business card
• Students should think of networking as a fact finding mission, rather than trying to sell something

When you want to leave a group and talk to others, Amber suggested the following phrases;

"We should probably mingle further now."
"Do you know anyone in the room you could introduce me to?"
"I see someone that you might want to meet."
"Would you excuse me please?"
"I see someone that I need to speak to before he/she leaves....please excuse me."
"I need to speak to a few more people before I leave."

After networking:

• Connect with everyone on www.linkedin.com
• Send a follow up email
• Request a follow up meeting, if appropriate

Good resources where you can find networking events in your area:

findnetworkingevents.co.uk

meetup.com 

eventbrite.co.uk

Did you know that you can get business cards for free at vistaprint.com?

For more information on Amber and her company go to http://www.raney-kincade.co.uk/Raney-Kincade/Home.html