Beyond an opportunity to learn and have fun, corporate events are a great way to make new contacts. Strong social relationships can open doors that you never imagined possible so why not make the most of events to do some networking? Keep reading to discover our networking tips that you can put into practice the next time you’re at a social event. Get ready to expand your personal network.
What is networking? The power of relationships
Networking is the process of meeting new people and forming a long lasting relationship based on trust. These connections can come in handy in professional situations, such as when you’re looking for work, but also if you’re seeking to expand your client base or change distributor or service provider.
Networking is based on the power of personal relationships. We are, after all, people first and professionals or employees second. To be successful in networking, you therefore need both technical know-how (to be good at your job) and what are known as soft skills, such as being easy to work with, proactive, helpful, humble, honest and able to admit when you make a mistake. When you combine all the above, you will create excellent professional relationships. Keep reading to discover more networking tips.
Be open and proactive
It might sound like it might not need saying, but it’s often worth re-stating the obvious. When it comes to networking, you need to be proactive, say hello, interact, reach out to others rather than waiting for them to come to you. Networking starts with you, particularly when you come to realise that we are all part of one big interconnected network. Are you someone who prefers not to speak in conferences and conventions? Do you wait for others to take the initiative? Start working on these skills and you will start to see your network grow.
Take care of your relationships
If you attend a conference specialising in your area of expertise and you meet somebody who may be interesting to you professionally, don’t let the opportunity pass you by. Then, make sure you take care of this relationship and maintain it over the long term. Here are some questions that you might want to ask yourself about how you are doing in this regard. Do you regularly call your work colleagues to discuss sector developments? Do you praise people who have done something well? Are you open to organising professional get-togethers?
If the answer to all these questions is yes or you’re working on these areas, then congratulations. If not, our advice would be to reach out to the people you have lost touch with, to rekindle relationships with university friends, chat to workmates in other departments and show plenty of interest in others and their work.
Mix with people who have different views to yours
Networking isn’t only about building a network of people who are similar to you. If it were, it would be much more difficult to do business than it already is. You won’t always share the same worldview as your clients, your workmates or your commercial partners.
Variety is the spice of life. When you apply this philosophy to relationships, you will be demonstrating both maturity and an open mind. Two characteristics that will help you keep growing your business network, alongside activities like speed networking.
Be humble, above all else
Networking is all about giving and receiving. And you’re sure to receive more if you’re humble. This means opening up your network to everyone, no matter what stage they are in their careers. At events, service companies and DMCs are often overlooked. Why not go and connect with them?
Connect through social media
When you’re going to an event, the organisers won’t just send you an invitation. They’ll also send you a list of attendees and speakers. This is an excellent opportunity to look these people up on social media sites like LinkedIn and follow the figures you’re interested in, introducing them into your network.
So now you’ve got these networking tips under your belt, why not come to the Costa del Sol to put your new-found skills to the test? With its beautiful weather, modern infrastructure, excellent transport network, and all sorts of culture, gastronomy and experiences to enjoy, the province of Malaga is an unbeatable destination for the MICE and conference and convention sectors to do some networking.
