UXL Blog

Soon, the holidays will hit and things will likely get hectic. Before that happens, you may want to squeeze in a networking event or two. Whether you’re looking to shift career paths next year, gain a few more connections, or share your skillset, it could pay to intentionally network with others. But how can you stand out? And how can you establish meaningful connections that will actually lead to something?

This fall, try following these 4 networking tips:

Focus on the “Give”

The holidays should be a time of giving back, and networking events are no different. If you’re only thinking about yourself and what you can gain, that will likely come across in your interactions. Instead, think about your skills, talents, and what you can give to others. When you focus on the “give” instead of the “get,” you build trust and demonstrate that you care about others and their needs/predicaments. Additionally, you establish that you could be a valuable partner to help in certain areas (which could lead to landing additional projects or even finding a new job).

Prep Your Intro

It’s a good idea to prepare an introductory message for when you meet new people AND practice this intro until it comes naturally. Rather than writing a “pitch,” come up with a few lines about yourself and your skills/talents. Try to make your intro stand out in some way (for instance, say, “Hi, I’m Kim. I write headlines that grab attention and drive engagement,” rather than, “Hi, I’m Kim. I work in marketing.”). Be genuine and authentic in your intro, and make sure it aligns with your personal brand and the impression you want to leave on others.

Be Present and Engaged

When attending networking events, it’s important to be fully present and engaged in the conversations you have. Put away your phone and avoid distractions, so that you can give your full attention to the person you’re talking to. Ask open-ended questions to encourage meaningful conversations and actively listen to what the other person is saying. Show genuine interest in their background, experiences, and challenges.

Connect and Follow Up

After the event (or during, if appropriate), make sure to connect with the people you met on LinkedIn or other professional networking platforms. Personalize your connection requests and remind them of your conversation at the event. This will help solidify the connection and make it easier to follow up later.

In addition to connecting online, don’t forget to follow up with the individuals you met. Send a brief email or message within a week or two, expressing your gratitude for their time and reiterating something you discussed. This shows that you value the connection and are interested in maintaining it.

Remember, networking is not just about collecting business cards or making superficial connections. It’s about building relationships and adding value to others. By taking the time to prepare and going in with an open mind, you can make the most of your time and effort when attending these events.

MARGARET SMITH IS A CAREER COACH, AUTHOR, INSIGHTS® DISCOVERY (AND DEEPER DISCOVERY) LICENSED PRACTITIONER, AND FOUNDER OF UXL. SHE HOSTS WORKSHOPS FOR PEOPLE WHO NEED CAREER OR PERSONAL GUIDANCE. 
CHECK OUT MARGARET’S ONLINE LEADERSHIP COURSE. 

Tags: connect with others networking, fall networking tips, improve networking skills, margaret smith career coach, Margaret Smith LP of Insights, stand out at networking event