Skip to main content

How to get the Best out of a Networking Event

Written by: Evie Courtier
Published on: 25 Sep 2023

Networking

Attending a networking event as a member of the business support profession can offer ample benefits to your career, from expanding your professional network, building relationships, and potentially finding new opportunities for your business. We’ve compiled our top tips on how to maximise your networking efforts at in-person and virtual events.

Set Clear Objectives:

Before attending the event, define your goals, and do your research. Are you looking to meet industry peers, network with potential new clientele, or connect and source new suppliers? Having clear objectives will help you stay focused, identify who you wish to talk to, and what talks/stands you wish to prioritise.

Research Attendees:

Networking events present different opportunities to those across the business support landscape, with those in Marketing jobs seeking new content and partnerships, PAs and EAs representing their bosses interests, sharing business information, and making introductions, and those in Sales Executive Jobs identifying new and maintaining established relationships with clients. Despite your job title, each individual at a networking event shares the common goal of establishing yourself within the industry, and seeking new opportunities.

If a list of attendees is available in advance, take the time to research them. Identify individuals or organisations you want to connect with and learn about their backgrounds, interests and opportunities they could provide for your company, and individuals within your specific sector.

Don’t Shy Away from Securing the Network:

An arguably old fashioned, yet ever-effective way of establishing a contact is to have professional business cards ready to exchange with people you meet. Ensure your contact information is up-to-date and easy to read. Alternatively, a quick and simple exchange of email addresses, phone numbers, or LinkedIn contact, whether it’s noted on your phone, or scribbled in a notebook, is a certified way of walking away with a contact secured.

Put People at Ease:

An art which some find more difficult than others, small talk is an easy way to open conversation with someone. Entering an event as a solo person can be daunting - assess your surroundings, identify an individual and start a conversation with open-ended questions. Showing genuine interest in others, and avoiding an immediate launch into a sales pitch, helps to build rapport and maintain a long-lasting relationship.

Active Listening:

Pay close attention to what others are saying. Active listening can help you identify common interests or opportunities for collaboration.

Be a Problem Solver:

Position yourself as a problem solver. Listen to the challenges others are facing and offer insights or solutions if relevant to your services. Alternatively, mention that your colleague or boss is an expert in the field, and you’d love to establish contact to continue the conversation.

Attend Relevant Workshops or Seminars:

Many networking events offer workshops or seminars. Participate in those that align with your business support profession to enhance your knowledge and meet like-minded individuals. Our partners at the PA Show, host the largest gatherings for Executive Support Professionals in the UK, bringing together thousands from the community to help enhance careers and focus on personal development.

Follow Up:

After the event, follow up with the contacts you made. Send personalised emails or LinkedIn connection requests, and mention something specific from your conversation to jog their memory.

Maintain Relationships:

Networking is not just about making connections; it's about nurturing and maintaining them over time. Stay in touch with your network, offer help when you can, and keep them informed about your updates and achievements.

Join Relevant Organisations:

Consider joining professional organisations or online communities related to your business support profession. These can provide ongoing networking opportunities and resources - ask your manager, colleagues or industry peers which events they would recommend.

Be Patient:

Building meaningful relationships takes time. Don't expect immediate results. Be patient and persistent in your networking efforts - remember that each person’s working schedule and priorities may differ, so bide your time.

Evaluate and Adjust:

After each networking event, assess what worked well and what could be improved. Use this feedback to refine your networking strategy for future events.

Remember that successful networking is not just about what you can gain but also about what you can give and contribute to others in your profession. Building authentic and mutually beneficial relationships is key to long-term success in the business support field.


 

Keep up to date with the latest networking opportunities and events at SecsintheCity, with our dedicated Events page.