1. Diversify your events. Going to multiple events with differing topics can introduce you to more people and show your versatility. Do not limit yourself to events that deal specifically with your field.
2. Do your research beforehand to know who is there, what they do, how the topics discussed fit with your interests, and other pertinent information.
1. Outline your goals. Whether this is meeting new people, getting professional advice, making connections, or anything else, recognize what your intentions are for the event you are attending.
2. Make two lists - one of people you met and want to strengthen your connection with (colleagues, professors, people you have met at events, and acquaintances) and the other with people you want to meet (members of the community, professionals in your field, etc.). Keeping track of who you already know allows you to utilize your connections, and knowing who you want to connect with makes it easier to start conversations.
3. Take each list and decide on actions you are going to take to meet or strengthen your relationship with each person. As you do this, strategize the best ways to connect with each individual. For example, if you’re meeting for the first time, focus on making a great first impression. Or, if you already know the person, find ways to talk to them more often by setting up monthly coffee dates.
4. Update your lists and goals regularly in order to stay on track.
5. Stay up-to-date with advancements and current issues in your field.
6. Set up a LinkedIn profile beforehand that has all the information and details you want employers or potential contacts to know.
1. Relax. Take a few deep breaths before starting a conversation with a potential connection. The more relaxed you are, the easier a conversation will flow.
2. Be present in the moment and listen attentively. Do not think about your response instead of actively listening to what the person is actually saying.
3. Identify common interests that can keep the conversation going. Common interests are the biggest gateway to making a meaningful connection.
4. Be sure to show that you are grateful for their time. A simple thank you goes a long way in creating meaningful connections.
1. Networking is best when you can collaborate and share ideas. If you have ideas about something in your field, share them with your potential connection. They can offer their opinions or put you into contact with someone with similar interests. Either way, they are more likely to remember you in the future.
2. Think broadly about what you can offer. It may not be money, social connections, technical support, or information, but you can offer gratitude or ideas. As a student, you may not have physical assets that you can provide to a person or organization, but showing gratitude and sharing ideas can be invaluable. Do not limit yourself by thinking you do have enough to offer because you do not have all boxes checked. Most people realize that you are a student, so show them you have initiative.
3. Ask numerous questions throughout the conversation. This opens the conversation up to more topics, and it allows you to get more in-depth with that person. You can learn a lot more from asking questions than waiting for them to bring the topic up. Your potential connection is also more likely to remember you and the questions you asked.
1. Make sure your body language is open and welcoming. Crossed arms are often a sign of withholding, so try to use your hands in speaking or leave them by your side. Also maintain a strong posture with shoulders back. This shows confidence and approachability.
2. If you can, leave a hand free. This prevents you from fumbling with the items in your hands if you try to shake hands with someone. You may also appear busy if you are holding too many things, and people could be less inclined to approach you.
3. Make sure to use a firm handshake. Here is a great video to show you how: https://youtu.be/0YLXBUxHgjw
4. Use eye contact! Eye contact is a huge indicator that you are listening to someone. While you do not have to stare directly at them the entire time, it is important to keep your attention on them. If you are looking around the room or not connecting with their eyes you can appear uninterested or bored. This can end the conversation prematurely.
5. A slight head tilt can also demonstrate interest. You can either give these cues to show your interest, or you can try to see if you notice this behavior in your conversation partner.
6. Remember that you are a professional you. You are not a business robot. Feel free to walk around and loosen up. If you notice your muscles are tight, take a deep breath and shake them out. You want to be professional, but you also want to be comfortable.
1. Researchers from Emory University attempted to improve people’s name retention and recall over three sessions. In the first session, each participant took a face recall test to establish their baseline ability. In the following sessions, each participant was taught a memory strategy. After only a month, the participants significantly improved their recall ability, some up to 69 percent.
2. Attach a visual cue to a unique facial or body feature. This memory strategy comes from the EON-Mem (Ecologically Oriented Neurorehabilitation of Memory) program. Here is an example: This is my friend Lacy. If I met her at a party, I would think her hair looks just like an Ace with the pointed A top. Ace = L-Ace-Y
3. Use their name throughout the conversation (i.e. “I like your tie, Charlie”).
1. Many of the concepts used with in-person networking are also used with online networking. You should still do your research, focus your goals, make lists, and build connections. However, building connections can be more difficult when you are not face-to-face. Go beyond your screen name by adding a profile picture and filling in your information. This way potential contacts know who they are talking to instead of a blank screen.
2. Leave interesting and insightful comments on blogs, social media posts, and articles. Your connections will see your interactions with their content and remember you more.
3. If possible (and safe), set up an in-person meeting. If it is not possible, try to set up a meeting over an application that uses a camera (Zoom, FaceTime, etc.). In either case, meeting where you can see each other's faces allows for a more personal connection.
4. Do not let geography limit you. One of the greatest uses of technology is that you are able to connect with people all over the world. Even if you cannot meet with a person face-to-face, you can still learn a lot from them while online.
1. Do not forget to follow-up! A thank you email, phone call, or message shows your gratitude and reminds your potential connection of your discussion. You can also contact them about potential opportunities and other connections if you feel like you have a good rapport.
2. Review all the information you learned from the event. Update your lists and goals to adequately reflect your new connections and ideas.
