Attending Networking Events: Our Top 10 Networking Tips

I was unbelievably terrified at the first networking event I attended. I worked up the courage to talk to someone at the end of the night, and they ended up being my very first client.

This isn’t the only reason I’m a huge advocate for networking. Over the years, I’ve met a lot of awesome people, been given some fantastic opportunities, and am now in a position to give opportunities to others. 

If you’re new to Calgary’s networking scene, this guide is here to help you learn more about what it can do for your career and how to reap the most from each and every event.

What’s So Great About Networking?

Some say the secret to getting a great job is knowing the right people. What they don’t tell you is that meeting those people takes work. Networking isn’t always easy, but it is worth the effort. 

Whether you’re new to Calgary, looking to switch companies or industries, or looking for new ways to find leads, networking is a solid answer. 

Just like most things in marketing, like SEO and brand awareness, successful networking can take time. It’s an investment in your career, but the cool part is—it can be really fun, and you’ll meet a lot of great people along the way. 

One of my favourite things about networking is its ability to create trusted relationships. Over the 6 years I’ve been actively networking in Calgary, I’ve built a community of people who I trust for advice, recommendations, referrals, and services. 

To summarize, networking:

• Can help you find a new job or leads
• Grow your professional circle
• Get solid advice from industry experts
• Takes time and consistent effort
• Is worth it

10 Networking Tips to Build Your Professional Community

You’ll need to show up and put on your game face to get the many benefits networking offers. Following these 10 networking tips can help you get more from each event you attend, meet more people, and build your professional community.

1) Always Ask for Business Cards

Networking can be exciting and busy. Talking to a bunch of different people throughout the event should be one of your goals, but connecting with these professionals after the event should be, too. Asking for business cards from the people you talk to will help you remember their names and connect with them afterward. 

How to do it: All you need to do is ask. After you’ve finished your conversation, ask if you can have one of their business cards. 

2) Always Reach Out to the People You Connect With

After gathering business cards from the people you talk with at the networking event, be sure to reach out to them. While email is totally acceptable, I recommend adding them on LinkedIn. This adds them to your professional network on the platform and you to theirs. 

How to do it: A quick “Hello [Name], nice to meet you the other night” will do, but if you have more to say at this time, shoot your shot. Whether you’re looking for help finding new clients or a different job, or simply want to keep talking about whatever you spoke with them about at the event, go for it. 

3) If You’re Nervous, Get Out of Your Head

People are usually more nervous about talking to you than you are about talking to them. There are tons of networking newcomers at the events I attend. I have been one of them. But what I love about Calgary’s networking scene is how friendly the people are. 

How to do it: Remember, you share a goal with everyone at the event: Connecting with others. People want to know you and understand what you do. Take a deep breath, introduce yourself, and join the conversation. 

4) Don’t Always Be Selling

While everyone networks for a reason (and some people’s reason is to get more leads and make more sales), the actual networking event is not the time to do it. Sure, talk about your business and what you offer, but leave the sales to another time. 

How to do it: Make the focus of your night meeting new people, learning about the different things they do and are involved in, and making a good impression. 

5) Have Your Own Business Cards

It’s a common practice to ask for business cards after you speak with someone new at a networking event. People will ask for your card, so having a few on hand is important—not just to make a good impression but to help people connect with you when they need to.

How to do it: Business cards should be professional, but they don’t need to be elaborate or fancy. I recommend using one of the free Canva templates and sending them to a local printing company like Little Rock Printing.

6) Don’t Get Drunk

Often, networking events will take place after work. Some are even located at breweries or bars. Knocking back a few if you’re nervous or over a few hours of exciting conversation can be easy. But remember, at each event, you’re making an impression. What do you want to be remembered for?

How to do it: If you drink alcohol, know your limit and stay professional.

7) Spend Between 10-20 Minutes with Any One Group

The goal of networking is to meet a lot of people and then follow up with them. Not to spend all of your time talking to one person. While you may feel more comfortable with someone you’re familiar with, you won’t get the most from the experience if you don’t broaden your reach.

How to do it: You’ll find that people naturally break off into groups when networking. Spend 10-20 minutes with each group before migrating to the next one. It may be worth spending a little more time if you’re having a great conversation with someone. However, consider asking them to meet sometime soon in the future to continue your talk instead.

8) Treat Yourself Like A Professional

Looking and acting professionally is a great way to be seen as a professional. Since you’ll be meeting a large group of new people at a networking event, you have the chance to make the right impression on quite a few industry experts, potential clients, or, perhaps, a new colleague.

How to do it: Dress in what you would wear to work or another professional setting—even if you work from home or the event is at a casual location (like a bar). 

9) Practice Telling People What You Do

It may sound silly—you know what your job title is, right? If you haven’t had to say it out loud to people much, you would be surprised to find how tricky it can be to convey your role, skills, and value. 

When meeting new people while networking, they will ask what you do. And if they don’t, you most definitely will want to tell them. You can always tell who the established professionals are because they’re very clear about what they do and what value they offer to businesses.

How to do it: Try to package what you do and what value you offer into an under-30-second blurb. This may mean fully understanding the value you bring, writing it down, and rehearsing it. 

For example, “I’m Bryce McDermid, I’m the founder of MKTGSpace, a local marketing company that offers a variety of marketing services. My focus is to help Albertan businesses grow through custom, strategic marketing strategies.” 

10) Be the Person People Want to Talk To

You are interesting and already a person people want to talk to. But if you’re also nervous, communicating can be tricky—trust me, I’ve been there. So, how do you get past the nerves to communicate with new people?

How to do it: You’ve likely heard the phrase, “fake it til you make it,” or “act as if.” If you’re a nervous person but want to come off as more confident, try acting like a confident person. How do they talk? How do they listen? Where do they put their hands? What do they have to say? 

While you may not mesh well with everyone or naturally be a boisterous person who grabs attention, learning how to act more confidently can change the way people respond to you.

Get Out There & Start Networking!

Have you tried any of these tips? Have any tips of your own? Reach out to us on LinkedIn and let us know!

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