We’ve all been there… the dreaded networking event. And, whether you’re an introvert or not, sometimes it’s just nerve wracking to carry on small talk with people you don’t know.
These types of events are a great way to meet people in your field and hopefully make those connections that will help grow your business and the real estate industry as a whole. But, how often have you found yourself just wishing you didn’t have to attend? The thought of maybe knowing only a handful of people, or no one at all, and having to mingle for a few hours can cause anxiety amongst even the most seemingly extroverted people.
If you happen to consider yourself an introvert, you find networking events to be one of your worst nightmares. Not feeling comfortable walking up to a group of strangers, not knowing what to say and knowing you’ll feel completely drained by the end of the evening will leave you avoiding networking events at any cost.
But, what if there was a way to walk confidently into a networking event and find yourself leaving completely satisfied with the results and, perhaps, even enjoying it?
Here are a few key tips for getting out there and becoming a networking expert!
1. Arrive early or on time– Networking events are one place you don’t want to be fashionably late. While it may seem ideal to sneak in unnoticed, this will backfire. Arriving early or right on time means other people are just arriving and groups of conversations haven’t yet been formed. You’ll be able to introduce yourself to newcomers and strike up conversations (this means you’ll find yourself in a conversation group that you started so naturally you’ll feel like you belong)!
2. Stay away from the buffet table– Of course you want to attend a networking event and enjoy the free catered food, but don’t stay there! It can be easy to find the buffet table as a default location. You’ll keep your mouth busy by eating and will appear as not wanting to talk. Once you’ve got your plate of food, move away from the table and find a friendly group of people.
3. Ask to join the conversation– This may seem silly, but awkwardly standing by a conversation until someone asks you to join is far worse. If you overhear a conversation of interest, approach the group confidently. Mention that you overheard them talking about (fill in the blank), and ask if you can join them. It’s as simple as that!
4. Stay update on current events– While networking events are for your field, it’s also not all that people will want to talk about. Make sure you’re up to date on current events or hot topics that are bound to come up in conversation. That way, you’ll have something to add and won’t feel left out.
5. Get to know people– Try to approach a conversation with getting to know who that person is, not just what they can do for you. If you aren’t sure what to say, ask questions. This is a great plan, not just for introverts, but for everyone entering a networking event. It shows you’re interested in them as a person and you may find commonalities that you can have a great conversation around.
It’s these connections that will cause the other person to remember you and want to talk with you again in the future. Chances are you’ll run into them at another industry event in the future! Be sure to make mental notes of their name and at least one detail that you can associate with them. This will come in handy the next time you see them and will show the person that you payed attention!
I hope these tips are valuable to you as you think of your next networking event! It may take a little practice, but before you know it; you’ll be looking forward to these events and taking advantage of all they have to offer!
Carrie Gable and the team at RealSupport, Inc. are our “VA Quick Tip” columnists offering expertise in real estate marketing, technology and more. RealSupport’s office and team of 15 full-time staff members is located near Chicago, IL. Their successful team works virtually for many top real estate agents and brokers nationwide. Pioneers in the Real Estate Virtual Assistant industry, RealSupport offers marketing, branding, website and logo design, listing marketing, lead generation, technical support, transaction management, social networking, blogging and much more… Just ask!
