Our Top 6 Most Productive Networking Event Tips

If you just googled important networking event tips, you’re not alone. Hate to navigate through Google search results without luck? We hear you – we’ll help you with our picks for the most effective tips for hosting a networking event or a business mixer party. Whether it takes place in a coworking space or at a luxurious hotel, attending your first networking event without the essential networking dinner tips can cause all types of emotions. 

You can be nervous about how to approach people, concerned your outfit may be too formal or too casual and overall inappropriate to networking event dress code, hopeful that you will make those desired business connections. Whether it’s your first rodeo, or you just want to freshen up your skills, we are here to provide you with a list of networking event tips that will help you understand how to host a networking event and leave people remembering your name. 

How to Benefit Through Attending Marketing Networking Events

Ready to start? Let’s dive into the most impressive tips for hosting an event!

1. Do your research

Don’t just drive up to a building on your way home from work with a sign that says, “Networking Event”. You need to make sure you are going to an event that suits your business and goals, and networking event tips can help. If you’re a professional engineer, look up engineering networking events near you. The first thing you should be asking is how to host a networking event and how to prepare for it. Research the organization and make yourself a list of talking points. Look at it as if you are going to your first interview for a job you want. Doing your research will also help you get help with hosting a networking event,  a gauge on what to wear to this networking event, and what the atmosphere will be like.

2. Meet the host 

Depending on the size of the event, it can be overwhelming if you don’t know anyone, especially if you are new to the area. One of the best networking dinner tips if you ever find yourself scanning the room and holding back from walking up to someone: introduce yourself to the organizer of the event who can also help you with tips for hosting an event (for the future). The person hosting a networking event usually knows many people who attend and can help pave the way towards understanding how to introduce yourself at this networking event better.

3. Don’t be THAT business-card-person

There is always at least one person at an event that is giving everybody paper cuts slinging out business cards. There is no doubt that your business cards should be on your list labeled “networking event tips: what to bring," but please remember that they are business cards - not flyers. It is important to get to know the person and company to see if they are the right connection for you before throwing your card in their face. If someone wants to connect back with you in the future, then they will ask for your information. Otherwise, your card is going into the trash bin when they get home.

If you’re going to host the event, learn how to host a networking event; communication is key there as well. 

4. Be present 

Don’t attend a networking event if you’ve had a bad day at work and just want to curl up in bed with your nonjudgmental dog (or pet of choice).  You want to be feeling good that day so you can be present with the people you are connecting with, especially if we are talking about career networking dinner tips. Make eye contact, nod, and ask follow-up questions for more in-depth conversations, i.e., for tips for hosting an event if needed.

5. Be yourself 

Business networking events can be filled with a bunch of, how can we say this lightly — exaggerators. One of the most important networking event tips, remember that people who think bragging the whole time is the best way to make a memorable connection? The truth is no one cares how many clients you acquired last month or how much money you made last year even at finance networking events (remember this especially if you’re wondering how to host a networking event). Give them a little insight on how you are a great salesperson by selling yourself effectively; the best way to sell yourself is to be yourself, especially if you’re hosting a networking event! 

6. Follow Up

There are certain networking dinner tips you need to know for during the event and certain ones you need to know for after. If you meet a connection that you think can be valuable to your business, make sure to follow up with them soon after the event. Here is the best after-networking practice to reconnect with people:

• Don’t do it right away but wait a day or so
• Find their LinkedIn account or shoot them an email about how it was nice to meet them and you look forward to working with them in the future

This will let them know that you are serious about connecting, and it will help them find you when they are looking to reconnect. 

The same will also be true for tips for hosting an event – connect and reconnect!

May All Your Business Networking Events Be Successful 

Now that you know all the best networking event tips, you are ready to start building your network. It won’t happen overnight, so make sure to keep attending events and set realistic goals for yourself. Once you start making those initial connections, more will come your way. 

The last tip — don't forget to smile (especially when hosting a networking event), networking is fun!

Also, why not plan your next network event at CityCentral? We serve the following areas in Texas:

Get in touch today for details and questions!

By Libby Smith