You are probably familiar with the following situation: networking event, lots of people, business cards, smiles, "Hi I'm XYZ", laughter, buffet, drinks, speakers, "Nice to meet you", more business cards, etc.After the event you look at your new collection of business cards, some are extremely polished and well designed - and sometimes, you are simply confused.Events are full of new people and happenings, but since you came there for a reason - it is your responsibility to "organize the chaos".In such events many interesting, high potential people surround you. These events are actually a "playground" where you have to locate relevant people, "connect the dots" and eventually focus on the very few people that are right for you and your purpose.1. Know your networking purposesMany people simply don't know whom they want to be introduced to, get to know to, and sometimes actually go to events that are completely invaluable and wrong for them.Before you start going to these types of events, it is recommended you prepare yourself and define the purpose of "your networking". These are the profiles of key people who might help you achieve your startup goals (the goals of your networking are usually a derivative of your business goals and objectives).Once you have a clear view of the people you are targeting and their profiles, you can aim and focus to meet them in different events. Focusing will help you network and create connections much more effectively.For example, if one of your startup purposes is to identify customers in the academic space, than your networking purposes should be to meet and connect with key people from the academic institutions faculties or management departments. This goes also towards university or College Board members, service providers who work with the institutions and decision makers who work within those facilities. Next time you will be present in one of their events, you have already located the right people and so it would be easier to approach them.2. More is less and less is more?Sometimes in order to locate and network with the right people you will need to "filter" people you meet along the way and focus on those who are the most interesting to you.Start conversations with people who are at the event, try to understand as fast as possible whether you are interested to continue or not. If yes, deepen your participation in the conversation and share more. "Small talks" on similar and diverse topics you might share and are passionate about, will contribute to building a good basis for future relationship that might develop after the event.
By the way, it is perfectly okay and normal to quickly end a conversation with someone who is not adding any value to your networking objectives, as long as it is carried out with polite, dignity and a smile.3. Ask for referencesYou should feel perfectly comfortable asking for references to the right people. Ask those you already know, as they probably know you and your characteristics by now, which makes it easier for them to reference you. Clearly define what are the profiles of people you would like to target and let them make the connections during or after the event.4. Check in advance who is attending the eventWe live in amazing times. Technology forever changed the way we find connections and we all benefit from that. It is possible to look for and find upfront who will attend an event, or even to find out real-time who is present and to connect with them instantaneously. Apps like Bizzabo allows you to do it easily and effectively from your smartphone, and websites such as meet up shows you all the interesting and relevant events in any place of you choice. You can also use Facebook for that.5. Be open and leave room for "fate"Always leave a door open for opportunities: allow new people to approach you and do not hesitate to initiate conversations with people who seem interesting, even if they are not necessarily what you are searching for. After all, not all is "objectives", "goals" and "needs"; networking and making connections in its basis should be a fun activity where you get to know many different, funny, interesting people, mostly in a relaxed, non-formal environment.Sometimes, just the simple fact that someone strange made you smile, will make an event memorable. You never know how a new connection might evolve or what effect could it bring into your life. Sometimes, the greatest opportunities come from unexpected situations.6. It always works when it's "real"Making new connections is a delightful activity and is really an R&D experience. Keep an open and tolerant approach, and be positive and open to others. Connect with people you genuinely "click" with or feel an initial bonding. After all, we all feel when its "fake", and such a connection will not last for long, turning into a valuable one. So remember - it's working when it's for real.
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