Your Networking Problems – Solved! #5: ‘‘It’s a waste of my time’’

You get out of an event what you put in. Often people don’t get anything out of a networking event because they have not been focussing on their own goals and outcomes. Instead they have just been meeting anyone and listening passively to other people’s conversations – failing to meet the people they want to meet, or having the conversations that they want to have. Learning how to network also means understanding what you’re hoping to get from it and working towards it and following up after the event.

Here are a few tips for making sure a networking event is not a waste of time:

01. Set clear goals:

Before attending the event, take some time to think about your goals for attending. Are you looking to meet new people, learn about new trends and technologies, or find new business opportunities? By setting clear goals, you can focus your efforts and make the most of your time at the event.

02. Research the event and attendees:

Find out as much as you can about the event and the people who will be attending. This can help you identify potential connections and tailor your approach to the event.

03. Have a plan for follow-up:

Don’t just focus on making connections at the event – make sure you have a plan for following up with the people you meet. This could include sending a LinkedIn request or scheduling a call or meeting to learn more about their work or interests.

04. Take advantage of networking opportunities:

Don’t be afraid to approach people and start a conversation. Use conversation starters and show genuine interest in the people you meet.

05. Follow up:

After the event, make sure to follow up with the people you met. This could include sending a thank-you note or connecting on LinkedIn.

By following these tips, you can make sure a networking event is not a waste of time and make valuable connections that can benefit you in your career.

If you are still not getting results once you have done this – then it is likely that you are going to the wrong events.