by Gilda Bonanno LLC
Networking is one of the most effective ways to build professional relationships, discover new opportunities, and advance your career.
Whether networking happens in person or virtually, the core principles remain the same: curiosity, authentic connection, thoughtful conversation, and consistent follow-up.
Successful networking begins before the event starts and continues long after it ends.
Many people find networking uncomfortable or intimidating at first, which is completely normal. The goal is not to “work the room” perfectly, but to approach conversations with preparation, curiosity, and follow-through.
Before the Event: Setting Yourself Up for Success
Before attending a networking event, take a moment to clarify your purpose and how you want to present yourself.
Define Your "Why"
Ask yourself: Why am I attending this event? Your goal will influence how you approach conversations.
Are you:
- Looking for a job or internship?
- Hoping to contribute to your profession or simply learn from the speaker?
- Attending out of curiosity, with no specific agenda?
Being clear about your purpose ensures that your time is spent effectively and sets the tone for your interactions.
Know Your Personal Brand
Your brand is how people remember you - what they associate with you professionally. Think about the strengths, expertise, and qualities you want to be known for.
Ask yourself:
• What do people come to me for?
• What strengths do I want to highlight?
• How would I describe my expertise or goals in one sentence?
Craft Your Networking Message
When someone asks, "Tell me about yourself," you don’t have time to list everything you’ve done. Instead, tailor your response to the specific audience. Think of it like a billboard message—short, clear, and relevant. Your introduction may change depending on who you’re speaking to:
- At an industry event, you might highlight your technical expertise.
- With fellow alumni, you might mention your graduation year and major.
- In a more general setting, you might emphasize your broad skillset or career goals.
Being intentional about how you introduce yourself ensures that you make meaningful connections quickly and leave a lasting impression.
Prepare and Practice
In addition to crafting your introduction, think about key questions to ask and plan thoughtful responses to common ones. Then, practice saying everything out loud to build confidence and clarity.
During the Event: Engage with Confidence and Authenticity
When you meet other people, listen actively and be fully present. Focus on the conversation rather than just planning your response, showing genuine interest in what others have to say.
The Role of Body Language in Networking
Your body language should reinforce your message, whether you’re networking in person, on video, or over the phone.
• Eye Contact: This is where connection happens. In person, maintain natural eye contact. On video, look into the camera when speaking.
• Facial Expressions: A slight smile and attentive expression help convey interest. If you have a “resting thinking face” that appears frustrated, puzzled or disengaged, practice a neutral, attentive expression.
• Posture: Sit or stand tall to project confidence and approachability.
• Positive Energy: Your enthusiasm is contagious. A warm smile, an upbeat tone and a genuine interest in others make you more approachable and memorable.
• Practice & Awareness: Record yourself in virtual meetings to observe how you come across and notice habits such as poor posture, lack of expression, or overuse of filler words.
After the Event: The Follow-Up That Most People Forget
Networking doesn’t end when the event does. The real value comes from thoughtful follow-up.
• Schedule Time to Follow Up: Reconnect while the interaction is still fresh.
• Reflect & Improve: Networking is a skill. Take a moment to evaluate what worked and what didn’t. Take note of what felt natural, what was challenging, and what you want to adjust next time.
• Nurture Your Network: Networking isn’t just about getting—it’s about giving, sharing and building relationships. Look for ways to give, share, help, introduce, advise, or mentor.
• Keep People Updated: If someone has helped you, whether through advice, introductions, or job opportunities, don’t leave them in the dark. Send periodic updates to express gratitude and maintain the relationship.
By treating networking as an ongoing process rather than a one-time event, you’ll build meaningful, lasting professional relationships that benefit everyone involved.
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© Gilda Bonanno LLC - Gilda Bonanno serves as a trusted advisor to executives and entrepreneurs to transform their communication, presentation and leadership skills. She has worked with companies on 4 continents, from Chicago to Shanghai and Rio to Rome. The instructional videos on her YouTube channel have received over 1.5 million views and her e-newsletter has reached subscribers in over 45 countries since 2008. For other articles or to receive Gilda's e-newsletter, visit www.gildabonanno.com