Networking events can be chaotic, but proper planning allows one to work the room effectively. One should leverage social media before events to learn about attendees and set up meetings. It's also important to prepare an elevator pitch, know your networking goals, start conversations confidently, and always follow up with new connections after the event. Following these tactics leads to more productive networking.

1. Networking Tips:
How To Work The RoomAlan Rasof

2. If you have been to a
networking event
before, you are well
aware of the chaos that
can ensue. Everyone is
there to meet other
people, make
connections, and better
themselves
professionally, yet so
often we leave those
events not
remembering who we
talked to!

3. “Prior proper planning
prevents poor performance.”

4. With this
mantra in mind,
use these tactics
to plan ahead of
time, work the
room at the
event, and follow
up with new
connections
afterwards.

5. Leverage Social Media
Linkedin – Learn about fellow attendees, make
personal connections, and set­up meetings!
Twitter – Follow the conference hashtag, set up
Twitter lists, and tweet about the event!
Facebook – Check & comment on the event’s
page and create a list of people to connect with!

6. Set Up Meetings Ahead of Time
People get booked up quickly at events! Be on
their calendar long before everyone else to
get a head start.

7. Prepare Your Elevator Pitch
Come with a sentence or two about your
company. Concisely explain your role at said
company, and how you might be able to help
someone. Finally, have some good questions
on hand to make sure you are engaging the
people that you meet.

8. Know Your Networking Goals
Do you want to spread awareness about a new
project that you’re starting? Do you want to
meet an industry leader who can become a
valuable mentor? Having a clear goal in mind
will make networking less ambiguous and
lead to more effective conversations.

9. Start A Conversation
Your first connection at an event is your
gateway to meeting more people. It can be
intimidating, but with the right approach, you
can join in on an existing conversation or
start your own! Make sure to read up on
industry news and trends beforehand so
you’ll be prepared to spark up conversation.

10. Ask For Something
Maybe you’re looking for a job offer, a
recommendation letter, or to land a client.
Consider why someone should choose you
over others, then, come up with a succinct,
humble answer why and ask for it. Be clear
that you want it to be mutually beneficial.

11. Follow Up With Your Connections
Connect soon after the event. The sooner you
follow up, the more likely your connections will
remember you. Connect with new contacts on
Linkedin and make sure to write a thoughtful
message in your invitation. Further those
relationships, consider reaching out to mutual
contacts that you and your new connection have.