Top 10 Business Networking Tips to Make a Great First Impression

Top 10 Business Networking Tips

When it comes to networking, unless you're a born socialiser, it can feel like torture.

And how come it looks as though other people can always do it better than you?

Not only that, but it can also feel doubly excruciating if you're already shy.

Self Conscious

The truth is that even people who aren't shy can feel self-conscious in these slightly artificial circumstances.

Networking events are about building relationships and not about seeing how many business cards you can acquire.

Here are our top tips for turning a nightmare scenario into one that might even be fun!

1. Avoid the Comfort of Friends

It’s easy to make a bee-line for someone you know (safety in numbers) and you might even feel as though at least you are talking to someone.

That’s cheating.

2. Make it Individual

Good networking isn’t about speaking to as many people as possible and flinging your business cards around.

Better to take more time having fewer but really good conversations than whizzing ‘round the room.

3. You Don’t Need to Sweat the Small Talk

Most people love to talk about themselves so asking a few open questions will kick-start most conversations.

Think about questions you might ask if you were at a party, having a good time and meeting new people.

4. Ask the Expert

As well as asking questions about themselves, if you know or learn about someone’s expertise, ask a few more questions about their work, how they got into it, etc.

You’ll learn a lot about them as a person.

5. Look for Common Ground

Usually, after quite a short time, you should find it fairly easy to identify areas of interest, beliefs, or opinions where you can connect with the other person.

It isn’t about being in complete agreement; it’s more about using this common ground as a launch-pad for a fuller discussion.

6. It’s Good to Share

Once you establish common ground a little personal disclosure goes a long way.

You don’t need to reveal your deepest secrets but divulging a few interesting or quirky titbits will usually encourage the other person to give more as well.

7. Don’t Curb your Enthusiasm

We’re not suggesting the false smile, over the top, salesy-type enthusiasm; rather, find bits of your job that you feel passionate about and express that passion.

The idea is to be a real person that others can relate to and trust.

8. Be Aware that Body Language Speaks

If you carry the thoughts in your head that you don’t want to be there, feel unconfident and uncomfortable, they will inevitably leak into your body and will be ‘read’ by others.

Holding any positive thoughts up there will also leak out and will reflect a more upbeat attitude, which is far more attractive.