5 Face-to-Face Networking Tips for Newbies

Starting a career right after campus or college can be a tad bit frustrating and daunting.  Many people fear rejection and freeze at the idea of putting themselves out there. It is important to remember that what you know and who you know in the industry are the two key elements that will come in handy when you are starting out.  Here we are looking at the latter. At first, you may not know many people in the sector and therefore you will need to start networking.  Networking results to opportunities. If you have a strong and vast network you will be able to get insights into trends as well as insider information on job openings and movement within different organizations if you are offering certain services or selling some products, you may get many referrals as a result of networking. Here are 5 face-to face networking tips that may help newbies create strong networks in the communication world.
Have a purpose
 When it comes to face-to-face networking you should know what you want to achieve whether it is getting a job or a referral to someone else or maybe you want to learn more about the trends in the communication industry.  Simply stated networking goals will help you make the best use of your time and it will also help the people you network with know how they will help you. When networking you should have meaningful questions that will help you achieve your goals. For instance, if one of your goals is to get introductions ask those you interact with whether they know a person who does what you are interested in. If  every person you talk to introduces you to another person then you will have accomplished your purpose and this will have a great impact on your career path.
Do your Homework.
Before you meet the people you are networking with or before going to any networking event, do your research about the people you are going to interact with and understand as much as you can about them. You may review their LinkedIn profile, read articles they have written before, or ask  someone else who knows them.
Learn to listen then talk
 Face-to- face networking is public speaking in a one on one form so etiquette matters. When you meet someone, start with a safe question, ask about themselves and what they do and let them explain to you then gradually the conversation will turn to you.
Find common ground.
Most people are charmed by people they share interests. Finding common ground with the people you interact with is so important. For instance, if you are good at event planning you may find it more personable and memorable to interact with someone who does events planning. After finding a common ground you can work out how you can help each other. That is when the magic starts to happen.
Keep in touch
In the first meeting you may ask the people you have interacted with if you can stay in touch and ask for their contacts or business cards.  There are many ways through which you can keep in touch apart from making calls; you can send them content that you think will intrigue them, or you can schedule a meeting. If you do not get a reply, stay pleasantly persistent and you will stay top-of-mind. If you are making phone calls be sure to remind them who you are and where you met.