A Guide to Networking this Spring

Every new year and season brings countless opportunities to spruce up your networking skills and put them into action. Whether you know you will be attending several conferences this spring, rebranding your business, or meeting with potential clients, you can always benefit from better networking practices. A little research and planning go a long way. In this post, we’ve outlined a few effective networking tips to give you some inspiration for the business opportunities that await you this spring.

Use Standing to Your Advantage

So you find yourself at a networking event, a conference, or some other type of social business event. People are chatting away contentedly, the bar is open, and the opportunities to connect with your next partner, investor, or client are plentiful. You want to use everything to your advantage in these situations, including how and where you stand. For example, if you are waiting in line for something, whether it’s for a drink at the bar or entrance into the event, use that waiting time. There are people behind you and in front of you. That’s the time to be an extroverted social butterfly. Strike up a conversation. This will not only keep you and the other person in line occupied and entertained, but it could also lead to new business opportunities. You never know who might be standing right next to you.

Expert networkers will tell you never to make the mistake of standing right by the entrance of an event. It may seem like a good idea, but you want to give people room to breathe and get settled in. So where is the best place to stand if you wish to strike up a conversation and make a new connection? Right at the exit point of a bar. Wait until people have gotten a drink in their hands and are more in the mood to mingle and socialize.

Never Forget a Name Again

Most people have great difficulty recalling a person’s name, especially after just meeting them for the first time. It’s a common problem. And though it may seem impossible to remember every person’s name that you meet in a day or at a networking event, there’s a little trick you can use to make sure you don’t forget again. For example, say you meet a man named Todd. Attach his name to some visual cue. When you learn Todd’s name, say to yourself, “Todd was the man with the navy blue sports coat.” If you meet a woman named Susan, remember that Susan was the one wearing the red dangly earrings. It will be easier for you to remember everyone’s name the first time by attaching their name to something they were wearing.

Perfect the Art of Handing out Your Business Card

A lot of people have trouble handing out their business cards because there is always that awkward ordeal of fumbling through their purse, custom work bag, or pocket in search of them. Avoid the embarrassment by knowing exactly where you have your business cards stored so you can seamlessly pull one out at and hand it to your new connection. If you are storing them in a bag or purse, keep them in a small pocket that is easily accessible. The second thing you don’t want to do in the business card exchange is to lose the other person’s business card. In addition to having a safe place to keep your business cards, have a designated spot in your pocket, wallet, or purse to put the other person’s card.

Pay Attention to Your Body Language

Networking can be an intimidating experience, especially if you are relatively new to it. The idea of introducing yourself to a stranger and initiating conversation is unchartered territory for many. But there are things you can do to “hack” your brain and give yourself a bit of a confidence booster while simultaneously appearing more approachable and engaging to anyone you talk to. From the moment you begin a conversation to the moment you end one, pay attention to your body language and the body language of the person you are speaking to. Never cross your arms or hold a stance that appears closed off or defensive. Having a drink in your hand will help ensure you don’t cross your arms. Do the head tilt. It shows the person you are speaking to that you are actively listening to what they are saying, and it will make you come across as engaging and charismatic. Maintain eye contact, nod, smile … these little things will help break down barriers and make for a friendly, more free-flowing conversation.

Leave a Lasting Impression

First impressions are important, but lasting impressions are just as crucial. Make sure your new connection never forgets you by following up with a quick thank-you call or email. You can even go the extra mile by sending them a thoughtful gift like a custom company pen or custom company mug to let them know how much you appreciate the connection.