This is the eighth blog post in a series taken from my book ‘Networking tips for busy female professionals’. Each week, we will take a tip from the book and publish it in a blog post.
As a busy female professional, you need to get the most out of your networking time. Whilst networking should be fun and enjoyable, you need to be focused on what you planned to achieve at the event.
You may be having a very enjoyable conversation comparing notes on your new shoes with someone you have just met, but if they are unlikely in the short or medium term to help you meet your goals, then, I am afraid, you need to re-circulate.
Ideally, you will have seen the guest list in advance and know who you want to talk to. The more time that you spend speaking to random people, not on your list, the less time that you will have available to speak to the people on your list.
Whilst speaking to random people at networking events is all part of the fun of networking, it pays to share your goals early with the people you are meeting. This way, you will find out quickly how much time you should invest in the conversation. These questions can help you safely share your personal objectives for the event:
“Why are you here?”
“What made you decide to come to this conference?”
When all is said and done, you do need to strike a balance whilst networking. Keep yourself open to possibilities when meeting people, and you may find that you achieve your goals quicker, than if you stay focused on just meeting a select few people.
Action points:
- Get hold of a copy of the guest list in advance and plan who you would like to meet
- Practice at your next networking opportunity, sharing your goals earlier in the conversation
If you have enjoyed this tip and would like to get more of the tips before the book is published, then read on
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