7 Top Tips for Updating Your In-Person Networking Skills

Now that we’ve spent the past year perfecting our virtual networking skills, in-person networking events are about to come back.  No matter how much we’ve missed the interaction at live events, we may all be a bit out of practice after more than a year of Zoom meetings.  I know I am.  So it’s time for a few refresher tips on updating your live networking skills.

Here are seven top tips for getting back into the live networking action:

1. Look presentable and smile.

Oh, the luxury of virtual events in sweat pants and slippers.  Those days will soon be over.  Now we all have to rediscover the nice clothes in our closets, as live events require below-the-waist dressing.

We can let go of the stress of the past year, relax our jaws, and smile.  Virtual networking was convenient and kept us connected to others in our field, but I think many people will be thrilled to be attending live networking events again.

Dust off your business cards, put on your best face, and let’s get out there.

2. Make an effort to talk to new people, not just the people you know and haven’t seen in a while.

Talking to people you know is reassuring, especially after not seeing them in person for so long.  But we all need to make new connections, too.

Everyone at an event may not be a helpful connection for you, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t make an effort to meet as many people as you can.  You never know who those people know or what valuable information they have.

We need to get out of our virtual networking comfort zones to make full use of live networking events.

3. Don’t monopolize people or expect in-depth conversations.

Most people at a networking event want to connect with multiple people.  Don’t be the person who attaches themselves to someone like a barnacle and won’t move on at an event.

If you want an in-depth conversation with someone, ask if you can meet over coffee to talk further.  If the person agrees, email them the next day to set up a meeting.

I’ve done this successfully many times.  People appreciate that you’ve respected their time at an event and not tried to corner them into a long conversation.

4. Introduce people to other attendees.

If you meet someone who you think would be a good contact for someone else at an event, introduce them.

When I owned a business, I did this as a volunteer ambassador at Chamber of Commerce events.  I still try to introduce people whenever possible at industry events.  It’s an easy way to meet people, and everyone’s grateful for the help in making new connections.

It also shows that you’re thoughtful and interested in others.

5. Invite others into the conversation.

You’re talking to one or two other people at an event, and another person wanders over to your group.  Do you include them in the conversation or ignore them as intruders?

Often the person who tries to join the conversation is ignored, and everyone continues talking as if they weren’t there.  It’s an awkward situation for the person trying to join in.

Make an effort to include anyone who comes around.  If you’ve gone to many networking events, you know how uncomfortable it can be to try to join a conversation and have people ignore you.

Include everyone in the conversation.

6. Ask questions, listen, and let others talk.

You’ll learn a lot more from listening than from talking.  At many events, there’s that annoying person who never lets you get a word in.  They’ve defeated the whole purpose of being at a networking event by monopolizing conversations rather than making connections.

You’ll do yourself a favor by really listening to what people have to say.  Ask questions and let others talk.

7. Follow up.

If there’s someone you meet who you think is a good contact for you, send them an email in the next day or two and let them know you enjoyed meeting them at the event.  Connect with them on social media, especially LinkedIn.

If their project has been in the news, send them an email with congratulations.

Social media is a useful tool for keeping us informed about what our contacts are doing.  Be sure to make use of it for your follow-ups after events.

Conclusion

So those are a few tips for getting back into the live networking game.  I’ve missed the real-life interaction and conviviality.

The past year wasn’t the same without live networking.  Hopefully, that will be changing soon, and we can meet up at the next industry event.  So let's brush up on our live networking skills and get out there.