Five Things You Must Do Before a Networking Event

Often you just get one opportunity to make a favorable connection with a new contact. You don’t want to fall short. Here are five things that you must do before a networking event.

Access the Attendee List

Many networking events will include a list of attendees either in advance of the event or upon arrival. That’s when it is time to visit LinkedIn and make a quick list of who you want to speak with at the event. The good news is that LinkedIn has a smart phone app that can enable you to check out the attendees on the go.

Research the Sponsoring Companies

Some networking events, such as conferences or association mixers, will be sponsored by corporations. In those cases, the company is there to promote products or attract candidates. In either case these are companies directly associated with your industry or occupation. It would be smart to know as much as possible about these companies prior to the event.

A great way to find new is to type the company name, the current year,  and the words, “press release” in your search engine search bar. To narrow your results, add the recent or current month to the search criteria. Review information about major upcoming projects, recent contracts, new products, executives, relocations, expansions, and more.  

Update Your LinkedIn Profile

As soon as someone is aware of you professionally, they are checking your LinkedIn profile. Make sure your profile is current and compelling before you hit the networking event. 

Pack Business Cards

Have you ever met someone and at the end of your chat realize you are out of business cards?  It happens.  Don’t let it happen at a networking event. Pack your cards in advance. If you are not employed at the moment, create business cards with your name, contact details, and a short two to five-word descriptor of your occupation or key offerings. Examples may be “Enterprise SAN Administrator” or something more value oriented, such as “Project Leadership * Infrastructure Architecture * Technical Solution Design.”

Charge Your Cell Phone

Today, the most common way to exchange contact information is via our cell phones. Trying to add a contact with a dead cell phone is like running out of business cards. Additionally, your cell phone is essential when you are discreetly investigating co-networkers and target companies.  Make sure your phone is charged so you are connected and fully-functional at your networking event. 

The Bottom Line

You are busy and every moment matters.  When you set aside time to attend a networking mixer, seminar, or conference, be sure that you make the most of the opportunity. Follow the above “must do” tips to increase your networking success.