Networking forms the core of many business strategies. Making connections allows you to create a rapport and potentially build a business relationship with a client or contact who could be advantageous for you down the line. Networking events have the purpose of making relationship-building as easy as possible for attendees.
However, there are many things that a professional should have with them at these events that don't immediately stand out as necessary. Networking events are about making first impressions, which means professionals should be like Boy Scouts—always prepared. Here, 13 professionals from Forbes Coaches Council share their insight into the not-so-obvious items that every professional should bring to a networking event and why.
1. A Collaboration Mentality
Go to a networking event with a collaboration mindset. This is going to change the way you show up in the event and how you present yourself. Remember that networking is about building relationships, not just selling yourself, your service or your product. Listen to the needs of others and think of ways you can collaborate with them. - Katrina Brittingham, VentureReady LLC
2. Positive Energy And Engagement
There are three types of networkers: the buffet guy (hides by the food and coffee out of fear), the bouncer (pops in, leaves a card and moves on) and the engager (the one who finds a few new people, engages in conversation and leaves an impression). All three have their place, but the third type gains the highest long-term benefits. Bring your positive energy and engage—even with the buffet guy! - Miranda VonFricken, Miranda VonFricken Mastermind Coaching
3. A Service Mindset
The most important thing to bring to a networking event is a giving mindset. Most people plan to take as much out of events as possible—referrals, contacts, interviews. Instead, plan what you can give to others. Bring industry and company insight, referrals, useful tools and blogs to share. By demonstrating a service mindset, others will naturally want to reciprocate and help you, making it a win-win. - Loren Margolis, Training & Leadership Success LLC
4. A ‘No Cell’ Mindset
Distracted driving is an epidemic. Distracted networkers are too. There is nothing more intrusive than the so-called “smartphone” interrupting networking events. The smartest thing you can do, unless you are a surgeon or EMT, is leave your smartphone in your car or switch it off. Being present at networking events means not staring at your phone, answering calls or sending the "I am not really here" message. - John M. O'Connor, Career Pro Inc.
5. Your Storytelling And Humor Skills
Many times, networking events become very serious and intense because everyone is trying to showcase themselves and connect with others. Professionals should bring their humor and storytelling skills to these events—it creates a fun energy, helps people remember you and can build lasting connection. - Shefali Raina, Alpha Lane Partners
6. Intuition And Intention
So many people go to networking events without first aligning to their intuitive guidance to give them an intention for the event. By aligning to your intuition and intention, you become conscious of what you can more easily receive. When you are aligned Internally to your inner voice, you step into the flow because you are present as a powerful magnet that draws to you what you have envisioned. - Susan K. Wehrley, BIZremedies
7. Interesting Small Talk Topics
Bring interesting small talk topics. Know what’s going on in the host city or company, so you can engage a conversation. For example, in Kansas City, you could talk about the Chiefs quarterback, Patrick Mahomes. Read the business news and research the invited attendees. Use information gleaned to engage others. You will put others at ease so connecting beyond the networking event is possible. - Kelly Tyler Byrnes, Voyage Consulting Group
8. Big Questions
One of the most overlooked (and best) things to bring to a networking event is a set of questions. What would you like to know about the folks in the room? If they're potential clients, what's their biggest business challenge, and how are they addressing it? If they're peers, what app or business practice has made a big difference for them? You can learn interesting things and not come across as "salesy." - Kate Dixon, Dixon Consulting
9. Others’ Business Cards
Often, we go to networking events thinking, "What can I get?" By bringing others' business cards, people you know and trust to do great work, you force your mind to transition from "what can I get" to "who can I connect this individual to that will serve them best where they currently are?" In doing this, people will thank you and will think on who in their entire network needs your services. - Cody Dakota Wooten, The Leadership Guide
10. LinkedIn Code
Networking is about quantity. You will get deep conversations if you follow up within 24 hours with people you meet. Using business cards and a pen, take notes that connect a face with a name. If you use the LinkedIn app, take advantage of LinkedIn Code, a tool for downloading and uploading profiles without typing. You will become memorable while teaching others how to use it. - Inga Bielińska, Inga Arianna Bielinska Coaching Consulting Mentoring
11. Your Curiosity
Instead of going to a networking event, business cards at the ready, change your mindset. Put yourself in the role of roving reporter. Interview the people you meet about what challenges them, what they are working on and what goals are most senior in their minds. That curiosity will allow you to have deeper conversations and leave with one or two budding relationships instead of 50 business cards. - Amie Devero, Amie Devero Coaching & Consulting
12. Your Hero Game
A lot of people hate networking events. It's tough walking into a room of strangers who seem to be having their own private party. Make meeting people easy by being the hero. Scan the room for people standing alone. There are always one or two praying that someone will come over and rescue them. Be that person. Just smile, walk over and say hi. You'll make their night and possibly yours, as well. - Annette Richmond, Career Intelligence Resume Writing & Career Services
13. A Picture Of Your Goal
Look, let's be honest, not many people actually enjoy formal networking events. It's all too easy to stay at the edges and not get going on meeting new people. Take a photograph or picture or even a chart that represents the goal you are aiming for to remind you why you are there in the first place. It could be your next house, a new car—it doesn't matter what it is as long as it creates action. - Peter Brodie, BYS Coaching
