How to Attend a Career Networking Event

Everyone says that networking is the key to growing your business--and they're right. When you attend a networking event, you not only open up the opportunity for more business, but you develop potential for long-term success by forging the right connections. Not to mention it can help your business image.



Networking enables you to complete a lot, sometimes for no fee. Here are some tips to help you effectively attend your first networking event.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Business Cards

1. 

   Choose the right event. There are plenty of affairs you can attend, but I have found that you need to be a little selective to make sure that your time is well spent--and leads to sales. Joining an industry association is great if you want to make friends, but you're likely to compete against each other to generate leads. A multi-industry event, such as a local chamber of commerce meeting is a great way to meet other professionals who are more likely to need the service or products you offer.

2. Dress sharp. Appearance is everything--and you only get one chance to make a solid first impression. While a business suit may be the norm, pay attention to the details of the event. If it's a business lunch, khakis or trousers may be enough. If it's a black-tie affair, you'll want to dress the part. The point is to make an effort to look your best--as shallow as it may be, appearances do count.

3. 

   Mingle away. Mingling can be a little difficult if you attend an event alone, but it's not impossible. Think of it as a chance to step out of your normal self and just go all out. Introduce yourself to others. Or comment to the person next to you about the weather or some other event detail--but do keep it positive. Don't complain about the food--you want people to think of your business positively, and since you're the only one representing it--you've got to keep things upbeat.

4. Market away. After you've made some connections, it's great to leave people with your business card. Bring plenty of cards. And don't be shy about giving out your card--business cards were made for networking events, so it's common to promote yourself a little without seeming arrogant.

Tips & Warnings

• Use the newspaper and Internet sites such as craigslist.com to find local events.