How to Turn Any Event into a Networking Opportunity

Networking is a critical tool to build beneficial business relationships. Because it is so important you should use every opportunity to network.

When attending a business meeting or conference, go with a plan to turn it into a networking opportunity and you will leave with new contacts. Utilize this time by collecting business cards and writing the date and a short note on the back to jog your memory later.

At a gathering, seek out people to speak with. Approach someone standing alone, or someone who has made eye contact with you. Or just sit next to someone and strike up a conversation before the workshop begins. Introduce yourself and ask questions about the other party. After several minutes of conversation, offer your business card and ask for one from your new contact. By using this strategy you have turned a traditional social gathering into a networking opportunity.

If you don’t feel comfortable approaching complete strangers, you can turn networking into a competition amongst your coworkers. See who can introduce themselves to the most people within a defined time period. Turning networking into a challenge that can be done anywhere will make it more fun.

You should consider everyone you meet a potential business contact. This means you should network all of the time and everywhere, including places that may not be considered traditional.

Anytime you are at the same location as someone else, for the same reasons you automatically share a common ground with them. Having overlapping interests, no matter what they may be, will give you a reason to start a conversation. Whether you are at a football game, a concert, a PTA meeting, or museum, just by being at the same location as the other person you automatically have a commonality and should take advantage of it. It is important to use any event as a networking opportunity.

Start the conversation off with mundane comments about the place you are at or why you are there and then see where the conversation leads you. If this person is someone you would like to connect with further, give them a business card and ask for one of theirs in return. Then, follow up 24-48 hours after your initial meeting to thank them for their time and perhaps set up another opportunity to meet.

You can also turn transportation into networking opportunities. A plane, bus or train ride is a perfect opportunity to get to know someone. You both have down time to take advantage of, so start a conversation with the person sitting next to you.

Coffee shops and restaurants are also excellent places to strike up a conversation. The grocery stores or churches are easy places to strike up a conversation as well.

Also, try volunteering to assist a charity of your choice and you will find yourself surrounded with people who have similar interests and a willingness to help.

You dont just have to be at a physical location to take advantage of a networking opportunity, you can do it from the security of your own home. The internet is making networking from home a more popular option. It allows you to connect with thousands of people with similar interests in seconds, without ever having to leave home.

Since you never know who or where you might meet your next meaningful business contact, its important to always be prepared. Never leave home without your business cards, and attempt to initiate conversations in a variety of venues. Having a diverse networking circle makes it a valuable commodity. Therefore you should try to network everywhere and with everyone.