How to Network like a Pro

By Mel Sim

Work the crowd with these tips on how to stand out at a networking event.

If you’re checking out GRADUAN®’s first networking session ASPIRE+ happening this Thursday, 21st March 2019 (for more deets, click here!, you’ll want to come prepared to work the crowd – there will be peers who are just as eager to impress the CEOs and directors we have invited to the event and you definitely want to be the one who stands out and sticks to mind.

So how do you ace a networking event like ASPIRE+? Don’t worry – we got you covered with these seven tips to make the most out of our event, whether it is your first networking event or if you’ve been to many before.

#1 Have a goal
Before attending, get clear on your objectives. Think through why you’re attending. If you already know the VIP invite list, think of who you want to meet and how you can make that happen. Or maybe you’re interested to connect with potential clients or employers. Come up with two or three possible outcomes you hope to achieve. Knowing ahead of time what you want to accomplish will help you stay focused instead of wandering aimlessly or just scrolling through your phone the entire time.

#2 Dress to impress
You never know whom you might meet. Which is why you need to look the part – smart and professional – so that people take you seriously as the determined talent that you are, and not some slacker because of the way you’re dressed. You want to send the right message and first impressions count. Also, make sure to dress in something you’re comfortable with and feel confident in. This is not the time and place to break into those new shoes.

#3 Bring business cards
Whoever you’re meeting at the event will most likely meet another 10 talents just like yourself. So if you want that person to remember you, bring your business card. In fact, bring more than you think you need – you don’t want to be the person who says, “I just gave my last one away!” Don’t randomly hand them out to everyone you pass by; be strategic about who you’re giving your business card to.

#4 Work out your elevator pitch in advance
You know, the thing you’re going to say about yourself in 30 seconds or less to someone else about who you are and what you do. At a networking event, you usually have a short amount of time to make an impression, especially to someone whom everyone else wants to meet. So you’ll want to make your pitch impressive and memorable. Knowing exactly what you want to say helps make sure that you don’t fumble, go blank or say something completely irrelevant during the introduction. Plus, it helps you look more confident – which is exactly what you want with the big guns!

#5 Introduce yourself to the organiser
Many may not think of doing this but here’s why we say this should be on your priority list: The organiser is the best person to introduce you to the VIP as well as point you in the right direction to get you off on the right foot. So seek out the event organiser, introduce yourself and say thanks for organising the event. Then ask – don’t demand – if the organiser could kindly introduce you to the person you want to meet. More often than not, the organiser would be glad to do so and since they are the ones who invited the VIP, they’re already on good terms with them. So getting an introduction from the organiser will automatically put you in a good light with the VIP.

#6 Ask the right questions
We get it – you’re nervous when meeting with CEOs and directors. But remember, they too were once newbies like you. Take this opportunity to ask solid questions you really want answers to and that will portray you as someone who has given the serious things about his or her career a good thought. You can ask personal questions but be genuine and thoughtful; you don’t want to come across as nosy.

#7 Finally, make solid connections
Don’t just work the room for the sake of working the room. Remember #1 – have a goal? Your main aim is to make solid connections. Have real conversations with a few people instead of meaningless ones with a lot of people who might not remember you at the end of the day.

Ready to work your charm at ASPIRE+? See you this Thursday!

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