My name is Sean, and I used to find professional networking terrifying. The thought of it would make me cringe. I can remember being fresh out of college and attending a networking event with the hope of establishing some connections that could possibly lead to a job. Well, those were VERY high hopes, as I spent most of the night nervously hanging out by the food area awkwardly trying to engage anyone who went near the crab cakes. Needless to say, I didn't end up with a job offer that night. But, I did come to the realization that networking is not going away, and I could either keep being socially awkward, or I dedicate myself to developing this skill.
With The AIIM Conference quickly approaching, I thought I'd share my best tips for networking so you can make the most of your time, when you'll be surrounded by 650 information professionals.
1. Practice Daily
Practice, they say, makes perfect. Over the next 7 days, I challenge you to 'network' with 3 strangers. No, don’t go up to the guy at Starbucks and hand him your business card, but do strike up a conversation with three strangers this week and ask them a question about themselves.
This is a great exercise to help you work on ice-breakers, carrying on a casual conversation, and active listening. Plus, these interactions are short so that if it goes poorly, you can get your coffee and get the heck out of there. The more you can practice in your everyday life, the easier it will become when you’re working the room at your next networking event.
2. Don’t Just Rely on In-Person Networking
Let's face it, going up to someone at an event and introducing yourself can feel uncomfortable (or scary!) Most of us, however, feel comfortable in front of a computer, tablet, or smartphone. Use these tools to your advantage when networking. Events like The AIIM Conference 2017 have conference apps available a couple of weeks before the event. Download the app, follow some interesting people, introduce yourself, and make connections before the event. You will feel a lot more confident going up and saying hi when you've already introduced yourself virtually.
3. Take Notes
As my networking skills improved, I found that my poor memory was holding me back. I have one of those memories where I'd forget my head if it wasn't attached. I was doing an excellent job networking at the event, but afterward, I was having trouble remembering which business card went to which connection.
I'd find myself asking, "Was this card from Steve, the guy that was going to help me out with that project I was stuck on— or was it from the other Steve who I was going to send my company information to?" Don't get your business cards mixed up. After a good conversation, take a second to jot down a few quick notes right on the back of their business card so you can refer to it later.
4. Follow up
This is a big one. Too many times people just collect business cards. What about the follow-up? I think the easiest way to follow-up with people is to connect with them on LinkedIn. At the end of the conference or while waiting for your flight at the airport, take a few minutes and go through the cards you’ve collected and add them to your network.
5. Have fun
At the end of the day, networking is relationship building. So go out there, make some new friends and some lasting connections.
Join us at The AIIM Conference, and let’s see you put these new skills into action!
