Helpful Networking Points

Introduction 

Networking is one of the most important activities you'll perform in your professional careers. Networking is, quite frankly, also one of those activities that people often really dread, but it is something we all must do at some point or another. Therefore, because networking is so necessary, it’s best to understand the most effective ways to network, at the very least, to minimize your networking angst. The advice is framed as if you were at a networking event, but keep in mind these principles apply really in any setting, whether at a formal “networking event” or not. Here are a couple of tips to keep in mind that have helped me over the years. 

Assume everyone has attained to the highest education level of their profession 

The fastest way to offend someone in the professional world is to not acknowledge their qualifications. It is safe to assume everyone is a PhD or MD or JD, etc. than to assume someone isn’t and probably offending that person. In an academic setting, for example, I always assume everyone has a PhD and refer to them as “Dr. Last_Name” until they introduce themselves as otherwise. 

If you don’t know how to dress, ask 

Whether it’s better to overdress or underdress probably depends on the setting. In my experience, it’s probably better to overdress in virtually all cases, but my experiences have been strictly academic settings. There is probably an event coordinator you can ask about the dress code. 

Be courteous 

You don’t have to be overbearingly kind. That may put people off instead. But greet people with a firm, unaggressive handshake, look people in the eye. Those types of things. I would offer congratulations as opposed to compliments and keep the compliments professional. It is best not to compliment on physical appearance or personal matters. 

Know your thing 

Be ready to talk about yourself using the so-called “elevator pitch.” You may have heard about the 30 second pitch, the 1-minute pitch, etc. It doesn’t matter how you put it, simply understand what you are about and casually relay that to someone else. No one wants to hold a conversation with a robot. 

I think your best bet is to know yourself. What you do and what your general goals are. You don’t need to have your entire life mapped out. You can try phrases like this, “I would like to go to grad school to study this (field #1) or maybe this (field #2) and I’m looking for more information about these topics.” Or maybe, “I would like to work in the medical device industry. I’m pretty interested in (maternal health, cancer research, etc.) and I’m trying to figure out where I fit best.” 

Research the environment and who is attending 

Spend a bit of time looking into the networking event. Peruse the website, research the companies that will be present, understand the event’s theme, research who might be attending, etc. 

“Talk, don’t perform.” 

This is a personal mantra of mine that I remind myself of especially when I need to give presentations. It reminds me to just be myself and helps release myself from anxiety. I focus on having a normal, casual conversation as opposed to feeling the need to put on an operatic performance. 

Listen 

And don’t be afraid to talk sparingly. Networking can be comfortably done by giving someone else the floor to discuss their live experiences and what they’re passionate about. Don’t feel the need to dominate or even lead the conversation. It’s always nice finding someone who likes to talk at networking events. It honestly really takes the pressure off of you. 

And finally… 

You don’t have to talk to everyone. Don’t feel the need to talk to every single person you come across. You can target your interactions with a handful of folks that you can manage. I have heard stories of colleagues being successful with either approach. Some colleagues talk to every single person they can while others target a handful. Either approach works. Feel free to choose whichever approach fits you the best.