It’s been a radical, revolutionary, and refreshing year so far.
(It's even moved me to alliteration!)
I’ve been doing the sort of stuff we could only dream of over the last two years:
- Restaurants… Pubs… Events… Lunches… Networking
Who’d have thought it?!
Old school, three-dimensional, in-person interactions.
It might even catch on.
Most of the old ways have come back very straightforwardly, I’m happy to say.
But perhaps the most challenging new-old experience was networking.
So, if you’re going to a networking event soon, might be, or are just thinking about it, here are my top five tips to make it a success.
And because I was once, in long forgotten days of youth a DJ, (stop laughing, I really was)...
Let’s do them in true Top of the Pops countdown reverse order, with the hot number one, most important point to remember coming last.
5. Just do it
To borrow a slogan… if you’re worried about giving networking a try again, just do it.
My first event was with the Cambridge University Technology and Enterprise Club (CUTEC), in Darwin College.
I was a little concerned, as like many I tend to mentally assess the risk of a number of people gathered in a relatively small space.
But! Everyone understands that, and seems to feel the same way.
I quickly realised people were fine if you didn’t want to shake hands, but instead just bumped fists.
They were accommodating if you wanted to keep a little space between each other, open the windows, and everyone was respectful of the wishes of others.
I hope that helps reassure you, and makes you feel going out and networking again will be fine.
Do it your way and others will understand.
4. Dress the part
This was a shock to remember, but you have to dress reasonably acceptably to go out.
(Even a scarecrow like me - as you can see from the picture, I did my best to look half decent.)
It’s only right to give an event the respect it deserves.
That means no pyjamas, slouch pants, or even shorts on your bottom half, safely below screen level.
It also means - shock and horror! - having a wash.
If it helps, the world hasn’t gotten any more formal.
For the CUTEC event, most people were wearing jeans, a shirt, or a jacket.
And strangely, it was good to actually dress in a reasonably smart manner once again.
Comfortable, but making a little effort felt like the right kind of style.
3. The confidence suit
On the subject of what to wear, the confidence suit is absolutely indispensable.
What on earth is it?
Well, the confidence suit is the other you: the self assured, charming, outgoing, energetic, vibrant, and generally irresistible one.
The one without the inner swirls and fears about whether you can actually hold your own with all these other people without making a complete fool of yourself.
Slip on your confidence suit over whatever else it is you’ve chosen to wear, and it will look after you well.
Because, remember:
Everyone else feels exactly the same way, and worries about how they will come across.
It’s all part of being human.
2. Your elevator pitch
It might be a while since you’ve used it, so brush up on your elevator pitch.
In brief, you get about 30 seconds to introduce yourself, and say what you do.
At the CUTEC event, we did a round-the-table set of introductions, which is why it’s important to keep it brief and punchy.
Otherwise people quickly lose interest.
Also put the interesting/exciting part of your spiel at the start, to act as a hook.
Then introduce yourself, and after that you want to establish your credibility...
Lastly, it's on to the possibility of a follow-up conversation with anyone who might be interested in finding out more about you.
For example, my elevator pitch goes:
I can help solve all your communication problems with style and a smile.
I'm Simon Hall, Director of Creative Warehouse, a complete business communication consultancy.
Our team have have worked at Google, the Times and Guardian newspapers, the Financial Times, the BBC, and more.
We've looked after projects ranging from core messages, websites, pitching for investment and customers, and securing national and international media coverage for companies and organisations from start up businesses to the University of Cambridge.
If you fancy talking further about how we can help you, come find me after lunch.
1. Listen
So to the most important networking tip.
And also the most common error that people tend to make at these events.
You can usually make far more of a positive impact by listening, rather than talking.
Of course you’ve got to get your message out there, about who you are and what you do.
But I’ve always found people respond far better to being listened to, and asked questions, with genuine interest, than bombarded with a sales pitch.
Listen, listen, listen, and listen some more...
Then chip in with your thoughts when appropriate.
I hope all that helps you go out and network again with confidence.
And finally, perhaps the most important point about why it’s worth doing so:
The feeling you get of enjoying human interactions, society, and just the sense that life is finally getting back to normal is absolutely bloody wonderful.