When I returned from Cumbria to the drier climes of North Yorkshire in 2015 I needed to build new contacts. Rather nervously I Googled ‘Yorkshire networking’ and dived in. Here are some networking event tips to shake off that ‘first day at school’ vibe and enjoy them.
Caffeine first
There is an unspoken rule of Thou Shalt Not Accost Until After The First Sip. You can just about get away with chatting while in the process of assembling a cuppa, but not before.
Stand out from the crowd
Help your fellow delegates by wearing something distinctive, such as a bright colour. Why?
Delegate you've spoken to: Oh, you should talk to that copywriter over there.
Potential client: Can you point her out?
Delegate you've spoken to: Yes, she's wearing a black suit... Oh, like half the people here.
For the record, I usually wear Ink Gardener colours like blue, purple or green. The Queen of on-brand dressing though is visual display trainer Helen from Made You Look Made You Stare.
Breaking the ice
OK, take a deep breath and remember everyone is here for a reason. I look for someone who is by themselves, put on my best ‘jazz hands’ smile and say “Hello, I’m Helen!”
Tip: If this is too awkward, why not comment on what they’re wearing? Something like “I love your shoes. Where did you get them?” is a great way into a conversation.
Listen to everyone
The person you end up talking to may never buy your product or service. But chances are they know someone who will. Or may do in the future.
At one event, I started chatting to a specialist printer of legal casework. Two years on, she asked me to revamp her website content after a re-design. So the long game does work!
Don’t be card-happy. Wait to be asked.
I was so enamoured of my new business cards, I was happily handing them out as if they were confetti. Apparently though you should wait until someone asks for your card. That means there is more likely of their contacting you, rather than somebody who has simply tolerated your over-enthusiasm.
Plea: If you’ve inherited your predecessor’s business cards, please don’t use them. I’m bad with names. It confuses me if I read Gunther, but could swear I was talking to a Mike. Scribbling a new email or phone number looks messy – why not just type your details on a plain sheet of paper? If you need to get some temporary cards made, I highly recommend moo.com (and this link gets you 25% off).
What to do if you’re not a kangaroo
I swear some networkers are marsupials, magicking up business cards from unseen pouches. If you’re a mere mortal like me, remember to wear something with pockets. Have one pocket full of your own cards and an empty one to stash the ones you collect. Try not to mix them up.
Have an exit strategy
Don’t just stick with the same people, however comforting it is. I’m still working on this myself. A straightforward “That was really interesting. I’m so glad we’ve had a chance to talk. Enjoy the rest of the day/have a good journey back!” is helpful.
If you find leaving difficult, tell a white lie and say you need to get another drink/make a phone call/check on the car parking. Yes, it’s a social event, but remember you’re there for your business too.
Write your thank you letters
One Chamber of Commerce member told me he sends actual thank you cards to anyone he’s met at networking events.
My version is to grab a selfie with a few people, then tag them into a LinkedIn post. Although I do love the idea of those actual cards. Maybe delivered by a footman…
Still nervous? Plan B
Still find networking events too daunting? That’s not a problem. Just sign up to some training events. You get to make connections with others and learn something too.
The big secret
I dreaded the thought of networking, but really it’s just chatting. The more I go to events, the more I realise that there are lots of friendly entrepreneurs and business owners who just want to chat without being ‘sales-ey’. If you see me at an event, do pop over and say hello!
Networking events in York / North Yorkshire
If you’re a copywriter, I run York Copywriters’ Coffee every few months if you’d like to meet your peersl It’s very laid-back and it would be great to meet you.
Here are some others:
- First Thursday in York, organised by Stacey Mcveighty
- York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce
- York Professionals
- York Young Professionals
Female business owner networks
York and North Yorkshire business newsletters
There’s a lot of free training courses and opportunities out there. Don’t miss out! Instead sign up to:
About the author
Helen Reynolds is an experienced copywriter for Google and customer friendly content, with more than 25 years of experience.
Based in York, Helen helps and trains businesses across the UK from candlemakers to cathedrals.