Networking Events: Who should you attend with?

Networking at a business event where you don’t know anyone can be a challenge. If you are attending an event solo, there is nothing wrong with this and it will often be the case if you work for a small company or you are trying something new, however, it is better to attend with a couple of wingmen or check in advance who else you know that might be in attendance.

Going solo

While going alone may be scary and a bit of a challenge, if you are outgoing this shouldn’t be a problem. However, even if you are not particularly outgoing, there will usually be someone there who is willing to strike up a conversation with you. Remember: people attend networking events to meet others. The main exceptions to this can be where people have been sent on a training course or conference and therefore do not see it as a networking opportunity. Therefore it might take a little bit more work, however, just smile and say hello. Most people will respond in an open and friendly manner.

Also if you are going to an event solo and want to maximise the networking opportunity – go early. Not so early that you are in the way – but if you arrive promptly it will mean that you can have a quick chat with the organiser/host and get to know them, you can be open and welcoming as other arrive and keep a look out for other people who are attending solo and use the opportunity to strike up conversation with a few people who also appear to be on their own and introduce yourself to other attendees (who may or may not be on their own) before they get deep into conversation with people they already know. Finally, if you are lucky it is likely that they will also introduce you to some other people as well.

Going with the Wingman (or two)

Attending networking events with others can be a great confidence boost and often people will come with a couple of additional colleagues as it will give them more of a presence at an event. However, it is best to go as a small select group. Your numbers should reflect the event you are attending, but the general rule of thumb is don’t turn up en masse – balance your numbers. Alternatively, if a lot of you go don’t act as a big clique – split up into smaller groups so that you are more approachable. The last thing you want to be is intimidating.

If it is a standard event (and a specific number of attendees is not specified) I personally find the best number to attend a group in is a group of three.

Arrange in advance to meet people you know

Before attending an event why not reach out and invite along an appropriate contact or use an upcoming event as an excuse to reconnect with someone and see if they are going even if you don’t expressly invite them to attend with you.

If they are going – make plans to catch up.

However, remember they will be there to meet and mingle with others so don’t monopolize their time.

If you have invited someone else along, be sure you are clear about why you have invited them along, and you are clear about why they want to attend and use the opportunity to network with them as well as help them fulfill their own objectives.

Who do you normally attend your networking events with? Are these the right people or is there something you could be doing differently?