Pre-Networking Tips: Five Checklist Items to Consider Before You Connect

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By Carla Dempsey

Building a professional network has become crucial in today’s demanding, interconnected world. It can open up doors for career advancement and present new business opportunities. It’s the quintessential catalyst in connecting skills and experience with those who need them.

While studies have shown for years that networking is extremely beneficial to individuals and businesses, both online and in-person, some are reluctant to embrace the concept. Those who shy away from networking often cite overwhelming atmospheres, awkward conversations that feel opportunistic, a lack of time, or simply fear, as reasons why.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. A little planning ahead can go a long way in eliminating preconceived notions about professional networking and setting the stage for success. Here are five pre-networking tips to consider:

1. Establish Your Networking Purpose

There are a variety of reasons people network. Those can include:

· Finding a job or advancing a career

· Creating a pool of vendors, freelancers and others who help your business solve problems

· Mentoring others

· Recruitment and hiring efforts

· Business-to-business (B2B) opportunities

· Learning new things

Determining specific network goals is an empowering move that gives purpose and a more meaningful association with networking. Those who have well-planned, thoughtful goals can save valuable time by ensuring that they choose networking events and activities that are most effective in aligning with their purpose.

2. Build Those Social Media Platforms

A visible online presence is a must for professionals these days. Social media sites like LinkedIn and Twitter have become the rolodexes of the information age. And they are a great place to establish credibility and build a network.

Professionals should take care in creating up-to-date, engaging profiles, whether it is for individuals or the business as a whole. With those in place, requests to connect will be met with greater enthusiasm. It also offers comfort when handing out business cards or sending follow-up emails after an in-person event. When new connections circle back to connect online, a great profile can remind them of the positive interaction.

3. Acknowledge Who You Are - Personally

According to research conducted by Finances Online, 75 percent of business professionals prefer to meet in person because it allows the opportunity to better bond with the client. However, some in-person events can be daunting for introverts who are uncomfortable with large crowds and conversations with strangers.

For some, being in situations where they feel uncomfortable can negatively impact their ability to interact easily and authentically, oftentimes skewing others’ perceptions of what they can bring to the table.

No one said the only way to success is by being the life of the party. Acknowledge personal limits and seek out networking opportunities that are more intimate and lowkey. Those interactions will be more productive and impactful in reaching goals.

4. Develop a Response Strategy

Like most things in life, being prepared just makes good sense. The same is true when it comes to networking. Beyond the initial handshake, the next question will often be, “What do you do?”

This isn’t a time to throw out a job title and call it a day. When you can clearly communicate the problems you can solve, the more memorable the conversation will be for the person on the receiving end. For those who have trouble speaking on the fly, it is wise to spend some time formulating a response and have it ready to go when the question comes up.

Those who are prepared to move the conversation forward without awkward silences carry themselves with confidence and enjoy the interaction more.

5. Create a List of Starters

Conversely, those initiating the conversation can avoid boring small talk or simple answers by being more creative in their asks. Make the interaction more meaningful with deeper questions and an inquisitive mind.

Dr. Ruth Gotian, chief learning officer and executive director of the Mentoring Academy at Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University’s biomedical research unit and medical school, is also a well-known speaker and author about topics associated with networking and success. In a webinar, Gotian noted that having a list of “conversation starters” can help calm nerves when meeting someone new. Her examples include: “What an interesting purse,” “Did you travel far to get here?” or “What has been your favorite session so far?”

Entering a networking situation, whether by computer or in person, armed with a list of ice-breaker questions is a win-win for everyone.

Bottom Line

Networking is an essential part of today’s global business world. These simple but effective tips can help carve out a successful networking path for any individual or business.

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