Practice networking: Use a voice recorder
The audio file for my first networking event prep is below. (7:46)
When searching for a job, networking is critical. After losing my job in February, one of the first things that I did was to search for local networking events. The only networking event that I could find was called “Bagels & Business Networking Monthly.” It was nearby, in a major business district in my area. The host, Serendipity Labs, is a coworking space with locations across the United States. As an independent marketing consultant looking for project-based work, an event at that location would connect me with my target audience: the small business owner.
I didn’t think that I would be self-conscious about networking, but I was. I registered to attend in February, March, and April but I didn’t go. I was scared. I hadn’t attended a networking event as part of a job search in nearly 10 years, and I didn’t feel like I was ready. I was afraid of how others would perceive me.
Usually, I’m not concerned about my appearance. BUT:
I didn’t have anything to wear. For the last six years, I’ve worked from home. Before working from home, I was twice the size that I am right now. I don’t have any office-appropriate clothing for warm weather that still fits.
I had to remind myself, repeatedly, that no one will notice that I don’t wear makeup. No one will notice that I haven’t gotten a manicure recently.
I finally had the courage and confidence to attend this event on May 26. I had things to talk about, to connect with others at the event – not just “I lost my job and I’m looking for work.”
I had business cards to hand out.
I had a couple months of content on my blog.
I knew the direction in which I was heading: independent marketing consultant.
I had joined St. Louis Public Radio’s Generation Listen council, which has an event coming up in October.
As I got ready, I decided to use the “Voice Memos” app on my iPhone to prepare for my upcoming conversations, just to record my random thoughts as I got ready to leave. It’s a way to practice articulating how you would describe yourself, what you’d like to discuss at the event, what you anticipate you’ll be discussing, or how you will answer the questions that you assume you will be asked. Then listen to the recording for areas that you could improve or stories that you could tighten up. It might jog your memory about something you forgot to mention.
At a networking event, you will probably be standing. So stand, walk around while you speak freely.
You will probably have a beverage in your hand. Hold your cellphone in your hand as though it’s a glass of water.
I didn’t start recording with a plan for what I was going to say. My plan was to speak off-the-cuff, whatever came to mind. Which is the same as a conversation at a networking event. What I discussed:
My plan going into the event and the outcome that I want to achieve
What I was nervous about and how I was addressing that
How I will present my displacement
What I am looking for in my next opportunity
My advice for someone who is nervous about networking
When I listen to this, I hear the shakiness in my voice. I seemed to insert “uh” and “um” into every sentence, which I don’t normally do.
Best practices for networking
When I’m networking, I always have business cards with my personal contact information, and I carry a pen to write on the card what we were talking about that we should continue talking about. I always have 10 cards in my purse so I can keep track of how many cards that I’ve handed out. I don’t keep a spreadsheet or anything, but it’s reassuring to restock and realize that I’ve randomly handed cards out over the last week.
The act of networking is actually very simple:
Say “Hi.”
Introduce yourself.
Have a conversation.
Exchange contact information.
Create a reason to follow up: business or personal.
