Networking is an ability which can benefit you across many different contexts; keep reading to learn even more

When it concerns networking events, it is very natural to have some uneasiness beforehand. Usually, the most challenging part of the procedure is approaching individuals. They may be in the middle of conversations with other people, so it can be hard figuring out how to start a conversation at a networking event. Generally-speaking, it is all about the way you present yourself to other people. For instance, make eye contact, smile at individuals and have open body language. When introducing yourself, ensure to use a firm handshake and speak with self-confidence. Demonstrate to the individual that you are focusing on what they are saying and listen attentively to their expertise and know-how, as individuals like Nasser Al-Khelaifi would agree. Rather than concentrating on accumulating business cards, try to prioritise building relationships and here making human connections. Some decent networking event conversation starters include basic icebreakers like 'what brings you to this event?' or industry-specific subjects of debate.

Networking is a skill which comes in handy across a range of various contexts, both on a personal level and a professional level. To get better at networking, it is important to know how to prepare for a networking event in advance. Rather than just show up to the event and wing-it, one of the best networking tips for beginners is to do some research beforehand. If possible, identify any kind of key individuals that may be attending the function, do a little bit of background research and attempt to gauge what their areas of interest are. By discovering what industries they are in or businesses they are a part of you get a chance to think of what sort of inquiries you are keen to ask them. Effectively, being engaging and asking appropriate queries is the secret to sparking purposeful conversations, as people like Jane-Fraser are likely to know. It is also a good recommendation to prepare a bit of a pitch for yourself. This way when people direct queries at you, you are prepared to reply to them.

It might come as a shock, but the key to finding out how to be successful at networking events is what you do after the event. Often, many people have some promising discussions at networking events but then end up never seeing that person ever again. To prevent this, one of the best networking tips for professionals is to follow up with as many people as possible. Try to stay in touch by following them on their professional social media networks. You can even send out a personalised and authentic message or email to the people that you met and had discussions with. This might form the basis of a possibly mutually beneficial business relationship, as people like Jamie Dimon would validate.