[vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="13027" img_size="full" alignment="center"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_column_text]Ahead of our Confident Networking evening course on 24th May, Debrett's Academy director Rupert Wesson gives us the low-down on how to mingle with skill and self-assurance. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Many people dread the idea of having to attend a networking event, but a positive in-person encounter is still one of the most effective ways of generating new business opportunities and making a lasting and memorable impression on a potential contact or client. Here are five simple ways not only to enjoy your next networking event, but also to make it worthwhile:

1. Prepare with a purpose

'By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.' It seems unlikely that Benjamin Franklin was thinking specifically of networking events when he observed this, but that doesn’t make it any less applicable. People often attend networking events without really stopping to think why they are there. Without a plan, all you will be doing is hoovering up the canapés and passing the time of day.

Instead, arm yourself with a plan to build your brand and that of the company you work for. Think about how are going to describe what you do in a quick, simple and interesting way. Speaking with confidence and clarity will draw people to you and make any conversation more meaningful.

2. Have fun

Just as important as preparing your professional objectives in advance of a networking event is to go with the expectation of having a good time – that way you probably will.

Whilst it’s generally in your best interest to attend in a professional mindset, this doesn’t mean that 100% of conversations should be centred on work. An easy trick for building rapport is to find common ground. If this comes in the form of being in the same industry or having a shared client, that’s great, but if it comes from a shared interest outside of work – whether tennis or Yorkshire terriers – that’s fine too.

3. Listen more

It is a truism to say that when you are interested you become more interesting. Try to avoid asking a question and then allowing your mind to drift to when the next tray of drinks will be coming around. Instead, actively listen to what the person has said, and respond. People will relax and engage with you more if you ask great questions and give them time to speak. If you have a good understanding about what people do, you will be able to adopt 'Pro-Networker' status and help connect people in the room.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]

[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]4. Help others

On which subject, think about every conversation as chance to see how you can help others (after all, no one wants to listen to your lengthy sales pitch). You can be really helpful by connecting people already in the room whom you have just met, or by connecting them to your wider network.

5. Keep moving

There is a fine line between quantity and quality, and it will be more beneficial to have a small number of meaningful conversations with potential contacts than to leave the event with a pocket full of business cards on which you have no intention of following up. At the same time, you will usually get more from an event if you are able to keep moving and speak to different people, so once you have got to know someone don’t cling to them like a new best friend forever – swap details and politely move on.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_column_text]For more advice on networking like a pro, as well as a chance to put what you've learned into practice with other participants, reserve your place on our Confident Networking course on 24th May.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="19576" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" link="https://www.debretts.com/product/confident-networking-24-may/"][/vc_column][/vc_row]