How to be a Kind Networker

I first heard the concept of being a ‘kind networker’ at Atomicon last June when I met Heather Pownell for the first time. As someone who used to be terrified of networking (see my earlier blog here!) it was so refreshing to hear someone talk about what confident networkers can do to help people who are less confident.

The experience of chatting to Heather sparked some reflections, prompting me to share a few tips on how to be a kind networker:

• Initiate Conversations: If you see someone hovering around the coffee table or the entrance, strike up a conversation with them - they are likely thinking that everyone knows each other and they don’t know how to start a conversation!

• Ask follow up questions to keep the conversation flowing: questions such as ‘how long have you been doing that for?’, ‘how did you get into that?’ or specific questions around what they’ve asked can go a long way!

• Be open to leading the conversation: Sometimes it helps to listen and take it all in, so if the person you’re talking to seems a bit shy, lead the conversation for a bit by talking about what you do, who you help, etc.

• Be open minded: Try to keep in mind that networking isn't just about finding immediate connections that benefit you. Some of the most meaningful business relationships I've formed have originated at networking events with people who perhaps wouldn’t be an immediate fit.

• Invite someone to come along with you: If you’re heading to the next talk at a conference, or you’re meeting a group of people back in the same spot at lunch, let the person know that they’re welcome to come along!

• Offer to connect on LinkedIn: everyone is there it make connections and this can be a really nice way to cement a conversation you’ve been having. 

• Facilitate Introductions: Offer to introduce them to someone else in the room that you know - this can be a nice way to share contacts and make them feel more at ease.

I hope you found these tips helpful! Let me know if you have any others in the comments - I’d love to hear them.