Your First Networking Event: How to Prepare

The first evening in a new group feels a little unfamiliar for almost everyone. You don’t know anyone; the others all seem to know each other; and at some point, someone asks, “So, what do you do?” With a little preparation, this becomes the easiest part of the evening.

Beforehand: Ten Minutes in the Member Directory

Before the meetup, check out who’s in the network. The member directory lists names, companies, industries, and regions. Pick out two or three people you’d like to meet—maybe because you have similar clients, because you’re looking for someone in their industry, or simply because their profession piques your curiosity. People who go into the evening with a specific name in mind usually have the best conversations.

What You Should Bring

• Business cards, or the digital business card from your profile. A quick scan of the QR code, and your contact is saved in the other person’s phone.
• Curiosity about industries you don’t normally have anything to do with. That’s exactly where the most surprising connections happen.
• A little time. The best conversations often don’t start until after dinner.

On the evening itself

Feel free to arrive a few minutes early. It’s easiest to strike up a conversation before everyone is seated. Ask more questions than you answer: What’s going well at your company right now? What’s the biggest challenge? People remember those who listen.

Afterward: Follow up within two days

The most important part of networking happens after the event. Send a short message to the people you had good conversations with. A sentence about the conversation, a suggestion to grab coffee. It’s exactly these messages that turn into recommendations.

Never been to one of our events before? Guests are welcome. The upcoming dates are listed on the website.