By Jenny Powers, Founder and CEO, Running With Heels, LLC
In today's society, networking is considered one of the most crucial steps to getting ahead, both professionally and personally. The problem is, for most of us it feels inauthentic and we wind up slapping a nametag on, and milling about a room aimlessly with no plan. If we do meet someone of interest, often times we don't know what to do afterwards to try and build a relationship.
Sound familiar? If your networking is not-working, here are some helpful tips to consider before, during and after an event to ensure you stand out from the crowd, make a solid impression and begin to build relationships, not a business card collection.
Do Your Homework and Prepare Before an Event with These 4 Easy Tips:
- Give some extra thought to your outfit prior to attending a networking event. Wearing something comfortable will make you more at ease. Wearing something you really like will make you feel more confident. Wearing a bright color will make you stand out and seem approachable.
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- Arrive early because people will have had less time to break up in groups, which can be intimidating.
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- A well thought out follow-up email is always welcome, especially if you really make an effort to personalize it. Be sure to reference where you met, as a reminder.
Once you're able to integrate these basic tools into your approach, you'll look forward to going out there and meeting people, guaranteed!