Professional networking has evolved greatly over the last few years, as the pressure mounts for an ever-increasing need for influential contacts, the right insight and valuable contacts. As PR practitioners know, the closer relationships we accomplish with journalists, bloggers and industry influencers, the more chances we have of winning coverage for our clients.

Here are some useful tips to consider when entering your next networking event:

Do:

Attend networking events regularly. It is crucial to showcase yourself and remain active, mingling with other members of the industry. In order to build yourself a positive reputation and presence, professional networking begins with being involved and active with the right crowd.

Don’t:

Shuffle through individuals, like speed dating. This isn’t a game of fishing for as many leads as possible. Even if you are a sales professional scouting news prospects, try to make genuine connections with people who you approach. Listen to their stories, share yours and respond to their challenges.

Do:

Make eye contact and smile politely to people at networking events. This will make you more approachable. Remember, first impressions always count, especially when engaging with a group of industry leaders. As much as you are presenting yourself at the event, you are also presenting the organisation you belong to.

Don’t:

Forget to exchange business cards; you never know when someone will need to connect with you. Even if it may be as casual as connecting on Twitter or LinkedIn, today, professional networking can take place in many forms.

Do:

Truly connect with individuals you meet. Discussing other’s stories, challenges, responding to them and acting as a supportive listener will win you more points in the room. As much as you are there to represent yourself and the organisation, you are also there to learn about others. Taking connections to a personal level can work well. Who said you can’t make new genuine friends at networking events? There is no better way to find genuine friendships in a place where there is a possibility of like-minded people working in the same sector.

Don’t:

Forget to send a follow-up email or message and follow their organisation on social media channels. This will give the impression that you genuinely were interested in them and their organisation and will actively want to follow their process and company updates.

Do:

Remain professional and not stalk their personal social media accounts. Unless they have offered to share with you their personal details and agreed to connect with their online profiles.

Technology:

There are many established platforms for professional networking LinkedIn and Sharp are the most popular, other platforms include: CityBreak, The Dots, Happening, Meetme and Sonar. They work as professional Tinder or Über, connecting like-minded people in the same geographical location on the app. This is the fastest and most casual way to do professional networking. Dougal Shaw expressed this phenomenon in his article ‘Are Business Dates’ a New Way of Networking?’ He concluded that there is already something in common with you and the individual you are matching with, both parties are willing to expand business horizons with the advances of new technology.

What are your favourite ways of professional networking?

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Curzon PR is a London-based PR firm working with clients globally. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our Business Development Team [email protected]