In case you didn’t know this about me, I’m a people person. I believe that the people I meet have something to teach or share with me, and I hope I can offer something to them in return. It is probably for this reason that networking events appeal to me. I always get something out of them whether I make a new friend, discover a new resource I never knew existed, or sometimes I enjoy the delicious appetizers.
Many times I go by myself, and when I get there, I’ll approach someone who is standing on their own and start up a conversation. Other times, I meet people in the parking lot, and we get to know each other while finding the right entrance to the building. When I do this, one of two things happen. Either we become fast friends, or they give nothing but one-word answers, and I quickly find a way to move on to the next victim–I mean person.
Recently, I learned there are six main reasons people network: to find a job, to get more business contacts, to socialize, to pay it forward, to learn something, or to solve a problem. At the last networking event I attended, I met someone in a similar field to me–marketing and communications. I learned that she has a lot of PR experience, something that I need to understand better for my work. She is interested in email marketing, which happens to be my area of expertise. We are meeting for coffee next month. I cannot wait to pick her brain.
Do you like attending networking events? How do you work the room? I’d love to hear about your experiences.
Maureen Durney
January 23, 2020 at 3:31 am (5 years ago)I’m definitely an introvert. I often accept invitations to things, and then try to find a way to not go. But my sense of decency usually prevails and I find myself in a room full of people I don’t know. I’ll talk to anybody, but they need to approach me first. Most times I leave the event feeling really glad I went, but utterly exhausted. I have met some amazing people through networking – but it isn’t something I do easily… 🙂
Elisa Heisman
January 23, 2020 at 9:38 am (5 years ago)I can imagine that networking events are difficult for introverts. Good for you for going anyway! Maybe talk to someone who is standing by themselves. If you take the time to go to the event, you might as well make it worth your while – even if you only talk to that one person.
RAAckerman, PhD, EA
January 19, 2020 at 6:50 am (5 years ago)I view almost every event as a networking event. For the same six reasons you quote. However, I do find events labeled as networking events to be populated by folks who are so intent on getting what it is they want that one’s experiences are lesser.
Roy A. Ackerman, PhD, EA
January 19, 2020 at 6:49 am (5 years ago)I view almost every event as a networking event. For the same six reasons you quote. However, I do find events labeled as networking events to be populated by folks who are so intent on getting what it is they want that one’s experiences are lesser.