Do you find it hard to network? To create new conversations? Or are you planning your next event and not sure how to be inclusive to your whole audience? You're not alone. Read our latest article on ways to network for business events, taking into account those with additional needs as well.
Not everyone's a good networker
Actually, it's not that they're not good at it, but with an ever increasing neurodiverse world of people, where we need to cater for the needs of the many, not the few, It can be challenging for some to break through and shine at networking or business matchmaking style events.
In this article we're going to take a look at some of the things you can do to become a better networker, whether you're an introvert or extrovert and how event organisers or event planners can cater for a neurodiverse audience.
The importance of networking
Networking is incredibly important tool to have in your professional arsenal. Whether you are job hunting or looking to make new business connections, networking can help you to achieve your goals.
Love it or loathe it, a good networking opportunity has many benefits:
- It can help you to build relationships with other professionals in your field.
- It can give you a better understanding of your industry.
- It can help you to find new opportunities, whether that be a new job, client or business partner.
- It can help you to build your confidence.
- It can be great fun! I've met some of my best friends through networking events in the last 20 years!
- Being inclusive - catering for a neurodiverse audience at events
Before we get into the nitty gritty of how to network at events, it's important to remember that not everyone is the same. In fact, according to a report by the World Health Organisation (read that here), 1 in 100 children are on the autism spectrum. So the likelihood of you having attendees at your events with additional needs is high.
What this means is that they may experience the world differently to neurotypical people and as such, may find social situations, such as networking, more challenging.
When organising events, it's important to bear this in mind and try to make your event as inclusive as possible. This could mean having a quiet room available for people who need a break from the noise or providing detailed information in advance so that people know what to expect.
So how do you make your events networking more inclusive?
Make sure you provide information in advance about what the event will entail. This will help people to prepare and feel more comfortable about attending.
- Have a designated quiet area where people can go if they need a break from the noise.
- Provide name badges so that people can easily identify one another.
- Encourage people to mingle and mix by having ice-breaker activities. Not everyone is good at walking up to strangers and striking up conversation
- Follow up with everyone who attended the event and make sure to include those who may have found it more challenging to network.
- Create smaller more intimate networking areas, with fewer people in quieter areas
- Offer non-alcoholic options - although some like to take the edge off awkward situations with a drink, not everyone is the same!
- Networking skills to get you noticed
There's a plethora of tips on the internet about the basics of networking; dress appropriately, carry business cards, make eye contact smiling... so we'll let you read those somewhere else. Instead, we take a look at some of the lesser-known skills or attributes that will help you network better.
It starts online - building your profile, commenting on articles, sharing stories, tweeting replies - all of these types of interactions can help you to get noticed before you even arrive at a face-to-face networking event and people may start to know you before they've even met you.
Make notes - don't worry if you need to type into your phone after a conversation. If you're anything like me, when you meet people, even if just 20 of them, I need to scribble a quick note about them or our chat, to help me recall an important nugget of information when we next speak.
Listen - you'll learn a lot about your industry and what's important to the people within it. Opportunities will present themselves if you're tuned in. Be genuinely interested and people will be interested in you. Take useful parts from one connection and use them as a conversation starter for the next.
Learn to lip read - actually, you're probably already doing this. Many people lip-read at a similar level. A person can be more or less fluent at it than others depending on their own hearing of course but if you can learn to advance your lip reading, you'll be able to understand people in noisy environments and follow along in conversations more easily and in turn, speak more clearly to those who may also be struggling to hear and have a more engaging conversation.
Go with a pal - you'll likely already know someone in your network that is attending the event, so partner up and seeing familiar faces in the audience will instantly help you to relax, knowing that you can approach and leave with someone you know.
Have your story ready - practice your elevator pitch so you can quickly and succinctly explain what you do, how it helps people and why you're passionate about it.
Be genuine - it's easy to see through someone who is trying too hard or being insincere. Be passionate about what you do, and people will be passionate about working with you. It's not all about business, sometimes the best deals come from building solid relationships with like-minded individuals. If you're struggling to connect with someone, ask them about their weekend or how their kids are doing. It'll help to build rapport.
Be yourself - I was asked to talk at an event a few years ago about how to "become a name in your industry" For me, it's always been about being myself. If you try to be someone you're not, people will see through it and you'll only end up alienating yourself. Be confident in your own abilities and people will take notice.
Networking can feel like a bit of a performance, but people are more likely to remember you and want to work with you if they feel like they know the real you.
And finally, don't take yourself too seriously - and don't be afraid. Networking should be fun! If you're not enjoying it, then you're not doing it right. Go in with the mindset that you'll meet some interesting people and have some great conversations. And if you don't, then at least you tried.
So, there you have it, our top tips on how to network successfully at business networking events and hopefully this helps you to continue networking effectively in the future. And remember, it's not just about getting the sale, networking is about building relationships and creating connections. It's a two-way street, so give as much as you take. Good luck!
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