Networking: you either love it or you hate it. These days I enjoy it, but it took a little while to get here!

Whether you’re physically or virtually attending an event, it can be tricky to strike up business conversations with strangers.

In this blog, I’ll share my top tips for networking, developed over ten years of meeting and greeting new connections.

What is networking - and why is it important?

Before 2020, many of us used networking to grow our connections. During the dark days of the pandemic, networking became a way to remind ourselves that the world was still out there, just on pause.

Now, networking seems to be a mixture of both getting back into socialising after a long period of remote work, and an opportunity for raising business awareness.

At Sookio, our team is always out and about networking, whether at live or online events.

The last few weeks have been particularly busy, with in-person events getting back into full swing.

This has included the team taking a tour of the lab at an event run by our client Oval Medical Technologies, chairing a panel at Creative Cambridge (organised by Cambridge Enterprise), and a Skillshare event for teachers, where Sue tried her hand at origami.

But why do we invest so much time and energy in networking? Agency life is all about ongoing learning, making connections, and trying new things. While many people are anxious about networking, there’s lots of different ways to get involved - and plenty of exciting events to choose from.

There are a few key differences between networking in-person, and networking at a digital/online event. Yet both offer a chance to grow your network and form valuable connections.

In-person events

Going to events can be nerve-wracking, but here’s how to make it a success…

1.) Do your research

How does the saying go? ‘Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.’ Doing some research will lift your confidence and ensure you get more out of the networking session. If you’re attending a show or large event, try to sneak a peek at the guest list before you arrive. This will help you to research people you might want to connect with.

2.) Have a quick pitch at the ready

Practice a fifteen-second pitch that sums up your business, quickly and effectively. Sometimes you only have a couple of minutes with someone, and making a great first impression makes all the difference.

3.) Practice good timekeeping

Arrive in good time. It’s stressful arriving late anywhere, especially at a business event! Leave yourself enough time to get to the venue, and if you’re presenting or speaking, be sure you have enough time to check any techie equipment like projectors!

4.) Connect on LinkedIn

Add new connections to LinkedIn as soon as you can, so you’re fresh in people’s memories. Leave a note to say where you met. It’s an ice breaker and helps build a personal connection.

5.) Set up new connections

Use your contacts to help others. If you know someone who can help another business, make sure you share! Supporting each other is one of the great benefits of effective networking.

6.) Get some photos

Take pictures! As in-person events get back in full swing, photograph some of the amazing locations and opportunities so you can share them with your growing network.

Virtual networking events

How do you make the most of networking opportunities, when you’re not even in the same room? Here’s a few tips…

1.) Get tech-savvy

Make sure you know how to use your equipment. It may sound obvious, but I’ve spoken to quite a few blank screens as people didn’t know how to switch their cameras on.

2.) Check the background

Ensure you have a suitable background. We’ve all got used to working and attending meetings from home but please, make sure your clothes aren’t drying in the background!

3.) Check your link

This is a mistake I made once and never again. If you’re attending an event online, make sure you have the link pinned to the top of your emails.

4.) Have your notes on hand

The beauty of attending events online is you can have notes below your camera, and no one will know. If I’m chairing a meeting, I have a running order and key points in front of me to make sure we stay on time and all the necessary topics are discussed.

5.) Hit mute

If you’re listening to a presenter then hit mute! Background noise carries and it’s so off-putting for the person who is speaking.

6.) Allow others to speak

If you’re in a breakout room with other people and you only have a few minutes, make sure that everyone has had time to introduce their business, then begin talking about topics.

Let’s get to (net)work!

Looking for your next networking event? I’ve made fantastic connections through the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce. The events are always in varied locations and the team is helpful and friendly. If virtually attending events is more your thing, the Federation of Small Businesses holds virtual events all over the country.

In the spirit of growing connections, go ahead and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.

Happy networking!