Written by Linda Chammartin, Accounting & Finance Recruiter for People First Recruitment & Executive Search.
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For this, my very first blog post, I thought it would be appropriate to touch on the Art of Networking. I feel the topic is especially fitting as I (and approximately 450 others in Winnipeg) will be attending the upcoming Manitoba Business Summit 2013 on June 12th and 13th at the Winnipeg Convention Centre.
As someone that relies heavily on networking to be successful in my career, I’ve learned from experience that it’s always a good idea to have a plan of action and to set goals prior to a networking event. It can be a simple goal; maybe it is based on the number of contacts you want to make, or the number of business cards you want to collect. Or maybe it is more detailed and in-depth such as connecting specifically with those that have captured a niche market in your industry.
I recently came across this article on 6 Secrets to Better Networking at Conference on LinkedIn and thought it was a great approach for getting the most out of networking at a business conference. These “secrets” caught my eye because most are tried and true though I'm not sure I’ll be wearing orange runners to the event (though I will definitely be doing or wearing something that makes me, in a professional manner, stand out from the crowd). I also think it is very solid advice to research the speakers and attendees ahead of time. I have done this myself for the upcoming Business Summit conference that I will be attending and it is a very well received approach.
Taking the preparation a little further for a networking event or a conference is to prepare a list of questions you might ask based on the backgrounds or industry focus of the attendees. You will also want to brush up on any recent news about the industry so you can prepare questions that are current and relevant. Some basic questions to have prepared:
- What do you think about {insert topic based on your research}? Will this effect your company and in what capacity?
- Tell me about a business plan that you are undergoing at the moment?
- What is a business goal that you have for the next year?
- What is the biggest challenge that you face in your business?
- What is the most exciting opportunity that you foresee within your business over the next year?
Asking these types of open ended questions is a great way to articulate your interest in getting to know this person. This will help you better identify whether or not you can be of service to them. After all, the focus should be on how you can help them, not on you and your needs. After your questions have been asked, think about and be ready to convey exactly how the product or service you have to offer them is relevant to their needs and how you can help them.
Finally, approach the event with an open mind and don’t put so much pressure on yourself to meet everyone in the room. Set realistic goals and have a strategy in place to achieve those goals. Most importantly, remember to have fun in the process!
~Linda Chammartin
