Samantha Whitehorne summarized a study from Loughborough University and Imago Ventures which contains tips for improving networking success at events. In the book, “How to Network”, 10 tips are discussed.
You can read more of the details at the link above. Briefly here are several.
- Know where to place yourself in the room.
- Put your coffee cup on a table.
- Join the conversation.
- Ways to start a conversation.*
- Don’t just say hi and look over their shoulder for the next person, stay involved
- Be aware of not talking too long.
*One item I didn’t agree with in this area is they recommend the time-worn greeting: “where are you from?” As Heather Hollick points out in “Helpful: A guide to Life, Careers and the Art of Networking” a question which will get you more insightful information is “what are you working on”. Then the person shares with you what is of import to them.
The full publication can be found here: https://www.welcometoimago.com/how-to-network/
Samantha adds to this the perspective of the meeting planner and what they can do to facilitate networking.