NETWORKING FOR NOVICES Getting out there and networking to meet the right people is crucial if you want help getting an idea off the ground, advice on careers, or to get your foot in the door for an internship. But entering a room full of strangers can be intimidating. We asked King’s students what makes them most anxious about networking. Gilly Wiscarson, a business advisor and Leadership Expert in Residence 2018 on the King’s20 Accelerator, responds with her advice.
WANT TO KNOW MORE?
The Guardian’s Small Business Network has tips on how to get the most out of networking events: www.theguardian.com/ small-business-network
TAKE ACTION!
Go along to a networking event and network! Come to one of the events run by the Entrepreneurship Institute – most have networking receptions afterwards. Register your interest: bit.ly/EntEngage Facebook: KingsEntrepreneurship
HOW SHOULD I BEST APPROACH PEOPLE I DON’T KNOW AT AN EVENT?
The whole purpose of these events is to meet people you don’t know yet. So everyone will be relieved if someone takes the lead. Pick out a person who looks friendly and walk confidently up to them with your arm outstretched ready for the handshake. Say: ‘Can I introduce myself? My name is xxxx and I’m here because xxxx.’ Give a good firm handshake with strong eye contact and listen carefully when they tell you their name – and use it in the next few sentences. HOW DO I MOVE ON AFTER TALKING TO SOMEONE SO I CAN MEET OTHER PEOPLE WITHOUT APPEARING TO BE RUDE?
Say: ‘It’s been lovely to chat with you but we are supposed to circulate at these events. Let’s go and introduce ourselves to that group over there.’ Take their arm and lead the way. HOW DO I BEST KEEP IN TOUCH WITH PEOPLE I MEET?
Keep their business card and contact them the next day. Say: ‘It was a great pleasure to meet you at the event yesterday and we seem to have many
common interests. Shall we try to make a date for coffee? Can I suggest 11am on Monday 15 June, or 2pm on Wednesday 2 July? I’d be very happy to come to your office.’ HOW DO I AVOID APPEARING INEXPERIENCED AND INFERIOR TO PEOPLE AT NETWORKING EVENTS?
This is something that’s quite personal. Generally speaking, we forget that we know much more about our subject and our business than 99 per cent of the population – that makes us expert and we need to recognise our own strengths.
Here are Gilly’s other top tips for effective networking • Plan in advance. If you can, find out who is going to the event and how they might be able to help you – or you help them! • You don’t need a business to have a business card. Having a business card with your main contact details and something that will help a person remember you is useful. • People judge your competence and likability in about four seconds – so look smart and appropriate for the occasion. • Switch off your mobile phone – you need to bring your full attention to the event. • Aim to collect up to three contacts – you need to keep it manageable so you can follow up. • If you are talking about an idea for a business or social venture, be clear about the BENEFITS (not just features) of the venture and make sure you can describe them in one minute. • In the conversation, your listening skills are paramount – people like to talk about themselves so practise standing still, keeping quiet, and showing interest in the other person. • Keep the door open – even if the meeting doesn’t happen this time, keep the person on your contacts list and send them warm wishes occasionally.
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