How can I become a Natural Networker? 

Here are 16 practical suggestions: 

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1. Update your Linkedin profile

▪️ Ensure that it’s clear that you are a credible professional. Add your work details, a recent picture and connect with your current colleagues, previous colleagues, and educational peers.

▪️ That way people you meet can any mutual connections . When you leave a job or when others in your company leave, connect with them to stay in touch.

▪️ For more tips on your Linkedin profile, check out the Guide on our website.

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2. Make networking a habit & start early in your Career

▪️ Practice makes perfect; the earlier you start networking in your career, the easier you will find it. Aim to attend 2 networking events a month.

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3. Set clear goals & Prepare

▪️ Before attending, get clear. Is there someone you are trying to meet? Is there a Client relationship you would like to develop? Are you networking for a new job opportunity?

▪️ Setting a goal will keep you focused and you can rate the outcome accordingly, and, improve for next time.

▪️ Curate a standard set of questions and consider what you could ask any person, regardless of their position or the venue so you can get past small talk and really connect.

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4. Make it fun

▪️ Arrange a breakfast, lunch or drinks with peers. Take a class or do an activity like wine tasting, high tea, an organised bike ride, a class. A glass of wine can be a great social lubricant, just don’t have too many!! 

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5. Take a Colleague

▪️ You can work through room faster by splitting up, or stick to each other so you have an ally. 

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6. Don’t forget your Business Cards

▪️ Either a printed or a digital card works. With the ones you receive, write notes on the back of the card what they said, whether it was about business, their family or hobbies so you can remember for next time you speak with them or when doing your follow up.

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7. If seated at a table

▪️ Be sure to introduce yourself to everyone on your table, exchange contact details and share business cards. Make a considered effort to mingle with others before & after being seated.

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8. Have a plan & strategy 

▪️ Review the delegate list and see who you want to speak to. Try and research them ahead of the event so you can think of something you can discuss with them. Read up on what their company has been up to, what projects they might have been working across, their career history. You might want to look up mutual connections so you can use them as segue-way into a conversation but don’t look like a stalker or be over-rehearsed.

▪️ If you can’t find someone you want to meet an event follow up with an email or Linkedin message and say you unfortunately missed meeting them but would appreciate speaking another time.

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9. Connect People

▪️ If you don’t think you can add value to someone you meet, it could be helpful to introduce someone else they might find helpful, either then & there or through a follow up after on Linkedin or email.

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10. Follow Up

▪️ Connect with those you meet through Linkedin or email, drop them a quick note to say it was nice to meet them.

▪️ If appropriate suggest a coffee, or arrange further plans to meet them again or say that you hope to see them at the next event. Connect with the organisers and thank them so you can stay in the loop for next time. 

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11. If there are Speakers at an Event…

▪️Add them on Linkedin after so you can follow up & follow future events they might be at. 

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12. Be interested & interesting 

▪️ Actively listen, engage in the conversation, have a sense of humour. Ask people about themselves, their work projects and life outside of work. Show your personality and be authentic. 

▪️ If you aren’t in the mood to sing for your supper, don’t go.

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13. Dress for the occasion & wear a smile

▪️ First impressions count. Look smart, smile, be approachable. 

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14. Get Involved & Join the board for an Event

▪️ If you want to get more out of a group, find the person in charge and ask to join their board. Many networking groups rely on volunteers to put together events so it’s a great way to continue growing your own network.

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15. Connect with your Alumni

▪️ Alumni groups for Employers or Educational Organisations often host networking events for people to get together and hopefully you will see a few friendly faces. 

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16. Have an escape plan (essential!)

To make a nifty exit try these:

▪️ The “Introduce & Escape” (The Three-Way Rule): Instead of leaving the person alone, introduce them to someone else. This is considered an  effective, courteous, and strategic way to exit, allowing you to walk away. Use the lines: “I’d love to introduce you to a colleague/ friend of mine. Let me bring them over” or “Have you met [Name]? They are doing exactly what you described.” 

▪️ The “Transparent Mingle” (Honesty) State your intention to circulate, as this is expected at networking events. Use the line: “Well, I want to make sure I mingle a bit more, but it was great to meet you” Or use the line: “I’ve really enjoyed our chat, but I must meet [name].” 

▪️ The “Future-Focused” Exit (Closing the Loop) Signal the end of the conversation by exchanging contact information, which acts as a natural stopping point.  Use the line: “I know we’re both here to network, so let’s exchange LinkedIn profiles/cards, and I’ll connect with you” Or “I’ve enjoyed this. Let’s definitely continue this conversation another time.” (Using past tense like “enjoyed” signals the current conversation is finished). 

▪️ The “Food & Drink” Pivot: Create a natural pause, such as grabbing a drink or food. Use the line: “I’m going to go grab a drink or some food. It was great talking to you!” Or “I’m going to head over to the bar. Can I bring you anything?” (If they say no, you can leave. If they say yes, you take them with you, and then find strategically someone else to talk to on the way).