Your Best Networking Plan – Keep it Simple

Your best networking plan shouldn’t be complicated. I remember representing an organization at a local business event. I set up a table, handed out brochures, and answered questions. The event lasted the better part of the afternoon, with speakers presenting throughout the day. I was looking forward to seeing a scheduled presentation on networking, a passion of mine. The networking presenter spent an hour lecturing and going into detail. He offered some helpful advice, but much of what he shared was just too complicated to be practical for most. An hour of lecturing without interaction, questions to the audience, or any other participation was painful.

That said, the presenter’s glaring mistake was that he didn’t network. It would’ve been easy to walk the room, booth to booth, before or after the show, but he didn’t. The only person he met with before the presentation was the promoter, and he left immediately after his presentation. It didn’t add credibility to his networking presentation. I’ve been privileged to present all over the state, and regardless of my subject matter, I always network before and after my presentation. I’ve made professional connections and learned the audience’s expectations, and I count friends among those I’ve met this way. Whether presenting or attending an event, I’ve learned it’s more productive to have a plan.

Your Best Networking PlanAsk yourself why am I here, and what do I hope to take away from the event? By putting thought into this, you can maximize your networking opportunities rather than wandering aimlessly, chatting with the nearest person for 30 minutes, or standing in a corner like a wallflower.If a guest list is available, plan on meeting those you can help and those who can help you. Is there someone on the list you’d like to meet? Which attendees have connections to industries or people you’d like to be introduced to?Arrive early; it’s an easier and more relaxed time to visit with other attendees. I’ve met speakers and organizers who may have been too busy to chat with me later. I’ve also volunteered by placing flyers on tables and helping with setup, all of which put me in a position to meet key people.Know what you’re going to say to whom. Keep in mind good conversationalists listen more than talk. Ask questions, such as what others hope to gain by attending the event, and most will reciprocate.Are You Prepared?

If you prepare for networking events with a plan, you’ll get much more out of it. Sounds obvious, doesn’t it? But let me ask you, how many events have you attended without any plan? How often have you spent most of your time visiting with friends and co-workers? Have you caught yourself saying, “I wish I’d met so and so!” If this sounds familiar, take a few minutes to create a basic plan and decide what you hope to gain and who you want to meet. Keep it simple.

Is networking difficult for you, or does it come naturally? What networking strategies have you learned?

Are You a Good Networker?

I’d always considered myself an effective networker. I’m friendly, easy to talk to, and I’ve never met a stranger. However, none of that makes me a good networker. It makes me outgoing. If I wanted to be the most effective networker I could be, I needed a plan. That’s how my networking workbook, Help Networking started.

My plan probably won’t be your plan. That’s why throughout the book there are worksheets, checklists, and simple CTA’s. Use these to create a networking plan that fits your needs.

If you enjoyed this post you might also like, Attending an Event? Don’t Just Sit There.

Photo by Product School on Unsplash

The post Your Best Networking Plan – Keep it Simple appeared first on Randy Clark Leadership Training.