This article is an add-on to Alayna Gardner’s chapter on Networking in the upcoming edition of “Rethinking Everything.” Be sure to check out her full chapter when the book becomes available.

How you prepare for a networking event makes a huge difference when it comes to what you get out of it. So, I’ll be sharing what I’ve found works for me. By no means is this list all-inclusive or definitive, but it’s a good place to start. The fact that you are reading this book means you want to grow at networking, so don’t be afraid to make this list your own and find what makes you successful. We’re all unique!

Pre-Networking: Before the Event

First off, the type of event you’re attending determines the kind of prep you’ll need.So I’ve outlined three event types that should cover most of the basis: The Reception, The Large Table and The Tradeshow. But before we go into each of these specific event types, there are a few things you should always do, regardless of type of event:

• Pack your business cards! A nice card holder keeps you organized and looking sharp.
• Have your LinkedIn QR code saved as a screenshot easily accessible on your phone.
• Feel confident in what you are wearing! Look to industry standards and venue photos to get a feel of what to wear. And remember, it’s always better to be overdressed than underdressed.
• Be comfortable! This is not the time to try out a new pair of shoes. You want to be focused on networking and not the blister forming on your heel.
• If you have a list of attendees, look it over and make a list for yourself of people you would like to meet with at your event. We will get into how you meet with them in each event type!
• Before you walk in the room, take a moment for yourself. On the walk over or in your hotel room, pump yourself up by holding power poses, jamming out to a song (just like Dwight!), or repeating some personal reminder to yourself. My pump-up routine is listening to “The Man” by Taylor Swift. 

Now let’s get into specific event types.

The Reception

These can be an internal or external event. Most of the time, these will be after work hours. You will not normally have access to a list of attendees for these style of events unless you are the one hosting, or it is internal to your company. This is not the event to reach out to attendees prior to the event to try and “schedule a time.” You should have an idea of what your person looks like and what you would like to talk to them about. Make this about them! It’s never about the sales pitch when you make this connection. (See my chapter for more info on how to ace this connection opportunity!)

The Large Table

A meal with coworkers? Clients? Prospects? This is where you are able to lay down the roots of a long-term relationship. Try and sit next to people you resonate with, or someone who is the person you would like to connect with the most. At large dinners, who you sit next to is maybe the most important choice, as you will only be able to speak with the people nearest to you. If you are in the “host” position, where you are the person putting together the dinner or with the company who is hosting, never be the one to bring up business. Let your guest do this. Trust me, they will. Your job at this table is to make meaningful connections that last beyond the meal

The Tradeshow

Now this is the big one! If you have that attendee list, this is the time to do pre-event reach-outs. But remember, everyone else is doing the same thing, so you have to think about how to break through the noise.

How do you do that, you ask? Be yourself.

The real key to all networking is being authentic in every interaction. People want to work with people they know and trust. The biggest way to build that trust is by showing up to every interaction honestly and with the desire to bring value. If you prep properly, you should have receptions or dinner every night. If you don’t, just be present and ready to go with the flow. Make a dinner reservation for six people and cancel it if needed. Offer casual meals and find YOUR people. And I don’t mean the prospect who is best to sell to. I mean the people who will be there for you and root for you to succeed. 

The Follow-Up: After the Event

You did it! You made friends! Now for the real work… Follow-ups.

Now, I’m not going to touch on the client or prospect-focused follow-ups you might have. These are often self explanatory. Instead, I want to focus on how you can make your connections deeper after the event. 

Don’t overthink it, but did YOU have a personal connection with someone at the event? Maybe with someone in a similar position or in a position you want to be in one day.You might think you have no reason to reach out now—but you actually do! No one will ever be offended by a polite message saying it was a pleasure to meet them and asking to connect online. This is what LinkedIn was built for: professional connections that you don’t get to make every day. In your message, be sure to include something you enjoyed from your conversation. Or, if the person was a speaker at the event you just attended, mention something in their presentation that you got a lot out of. Remember, make it about them. But be tasteful. Flattery will get you only so far and can’t take you on the journey of a career-long relationship. If you don’t feel like you have something to offer the relationship, think about asking this person to be your mentor.

The thing I want you to take away from this is networking is what you make of it. When you take the time to prepare yourself, show up in the right way and follow up you get the most out of the time you spend with people networking. If you come away from this with questions? Shoot me a message on LinkedIn and I would love to connect!