Many of us find networking daunting or awkward, but it can be the key to a successful career. Building your connections and growing your network are essential for climbing the career ladder. Even the most extrovert of us can find attending an event on their own a little nerve-wracking. So, we've put together some handy tips to help improve your networking skills. Read our 12 top tips to improving your networking skills.

1. Top tips for networking at events and
conferences

2. Here are 12 helpful tips for
networking at events and
conferences:
Don’t be nervous – get networking!
As you push open the door and
walk in, you wonder if you’ve made
a big mistake.
You’ve just arrived and you’re on
your own. You scan the crowd of
people hoping you’ll see a familiar
face, but all you see is a group of
strangers, all happily engaged in
conversation.
Relax, this is how many of us feel
when we go to a networking event.
It’s natural to feel nervous, but
don’t let that stop you.
Even the most extrovert among us
can feel shy about approaching
new people!
Read on for some top tips...

3. 1. Be yourself
Networking events are
designed to connect
people and build
business relationships.
Don’t try to be the person
that you think other
people would like to
meet.
To make genuine
connections you need to
be yourself, although
that’s not to say you
shouldn’t show your
most charming side!

4. People naturally congregate
around the bar or
refreshment counter, so if
you’re alone this is a good
place to start.
Once you’ve got your drink
stand a few steps from the
bar and try to look
approachable.
2. Grab a drink

5. Stand up straight – good
posture will help make you
look more confident.
And don’t forget to smile; if
you look friendly people will
be more inclined to strike
up a conversation.
3. Stand tall, and smile

6. Don’t spend the whole event
talking to people you
already know, although of
course say hello and have a
quick catch-up.
Try and spend the majority
of the event talking to new
contacts.
4. Talk to new people

7. In the same way you
wouldn’t go up to a friend,
interrupt them and then talk
loudly about yourself, don’t
behave that way with new
contacts.
Behave the same way you
would with a good friend or
a work colleague.
5. Be polite

8. The best way to get to know
someone is to ask
questions; try to make sure
they talk more than you do.
Try and ask a mix of
questions, so it’s not all
about business.
6. Ask questions

9. If you see someone
on their own, invite
them to join in.
Don’t leave people
out in the cold,
draw them into the
conversation.
Nobody likes being
left out, so be kind.
7. Include others

10. People can tell if you’re not
sincere, so don’t try to meet
as many as people as
possible.
If you rush around handing
out business cards, you’ll
just alienate yourself. A few,
meaningful conversations
and new connections are far
more valuable.
8. Don’t work the room

11. Be engaged; people will
soon spot that your eyes
are wandering.
Maintain eye contact and
concentrate on what’s being
said. Nod your head when
appropriate and smile.
9. Concentrate on conversations

12. Be generous with your
time, knowledge and
connections.
If you’re willing to share,
you’ll find others will be
the same with you.
10. Share

13. If there’s a natural break in a
conversation, don’t be
afraid to join in.
Most people will welcome
the chance to meet
someone new. If you feel
you’ve intruded just politely
excuse yourself and move
on.
11. Join in

14. After the event don’t forget
to use LinkedIn to connect
with those new connections
that you made at the event.
Many people use LinkedIn
now, instead of handing out
business cards. Now that
you’re connected you can
start to build the
relationship further.
12. LinkedIn

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