Networking Fail
Hey Guys,
I just went to a networking event yesterday and I failed to connect with anyone in a meaningful way. I just pretty much had some small talk with other people then we went our own way. I felt like i hard a hard time being interesting enough to make people want to stay. I noticed once or twice someone leaving the conversation to "get a drink". I felt like one mistake i made is that i talked too much about work instead of talking about more interesting non work related topics. They say the networking is paramount to breaking into Wall street! Could anyone spare advice on how to network more effectively?
You need a good short story about yourself...about 1-2 minutes in length...about what you are looking to do...and a personal experience that demonstrates that desire. This gives the person you are talking to a chance to relate...and also gives them a chance to give you constructive feedback. If you can get into that kind of conversation, they will remember you...and that's how you plant the seed for asking for an interview in the future.
Networking events can also be awkward, so if you have the chance to get a more personal interaction you can go about it that way. Working LinkedIn/emails can be a great way to set up the first introduction and get more focused time.
Have you any interests?
It's definitely better to be genuine and thoughtful and take interest in other people.
If you would describe yourself as a boring person by which I mean you have few interests that you feel you can socially talk about I would suggest you get people to talk about themselves. Most people love to talk about themselves and their interests. Most of which you should be able to mirror and develop the conversation further. If you come across as taking a genuine interest this will work well.
Having a broad knowledge will also help allowing you to join in the conversation and express thoughts and opinions rather than purely mirroring someone. If someone clocks that you are being disingenuous and mirroring them this can easily have a negative effect on their persona of you. Therefore its always a good idea to have a decent knowledge of current events, sports etc etc.
Also learn to read the room if you are socially awkward avoid one on ones and try join in groups where if you are struggling to think of stuff to say you can somewhat rely on someone else. By same token don't wait for the conversation to die / go awkward - try to exit the conversation prior by going to the toilet / get a drink / food.
I would also mention go to a bar and practice talking to people if you struggle that much. It means you wont risk coming off bad to those that matter and you may even get some decent stories to talk about at the next networking event. Getting interests will also help with this regard.
Practice makes perfect. The more and more you talk to people at networking events, the more and more comfortable you’ll become. Take 10 minutes before an event to practice deep breathing and instill confidence in yourself and your abilities; don’t allow yourself to be convinced that you should feel intimidated or below others. If you get tripped up, take five minutes in between conversations and reinforce the aforementioned thoughts in your mind.
Have a good 1-2 minute elevator pitch prepared, but other than that, don’t focus on or worry about memorizing anything - doing that will likely kill a good vibe which is self-evident in a genuine, friendly conversation. People want to talk to you for you, not because you memorized a bunch of stats about X bank or whatnot. Ask genuine questions, reinforce your eagerness to learn, and relax.
Good luck and stay confident.
This may be horrendous advice but maybe have a drink or two before you really start trying to strike up conversation. Not enough to catch a buzz but just that little shove of liquid courage. Then just ask questions and make sure you listen and acknowledge.
The best networking advice I've received is to have a short and well rehearsed introduction that you can use anytime you meet someone new in a professional setting. It should be under 45 seconds and be practiced to perfection.
You might botch the first few times, but you will get used to it and eventually feel really comfortable introducing yourself to anybody. Really good way to start out on a positive note and come off as well-spoken/confident.
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