Connecting with others plays a key part in guiding your career.  Follow these simple guidelines when preparing for your next networking event.

Dress Well

Your appearance conveys how you interact with others, and how they will with you. Not being dressed correctly shows lack of respect. People will become distracted by your attire, and you won’t be taken seriously or hired for jobs. Business-casual attire is appropriate for a networking event. Men might wear black or gray dress pants with a dress shirt and black or brown dress shoes. Women could decide between wearing a dress or dress pants, a dress shirt, and heels or loafers.

Engage in Conversation

Have a good ice breaker to begin conversations and a smooth closing statement for when you want to move on. You can start by sharing a little about yourself, such as your role in your company and one specific challenge you’ve been having to see if the person’s facing a similar situation. You could ask someone about a new opportunity or area of work they’re in, and give background on why you’re interested like a job opened up at the person’s company and you want to know what it’s like working there. Ensure each conversation doesn’t exceed five or 10 minutes before you move on to someone else. You might exit gracefully by handing off your business card, mentioning how great it was talking, and how you’re going to take part in other activities. If you really liked the person, try exchanging information and setting a day and time to reconnect.

Sell Yourself

Since people have a limited time frame to speak with you, make yourself interesting in a quick amount of time. Show confidence and gain respect through your speaking and body language. Remember to smile, make eye contact, and appear calm at all times. Go into the event with knowledge about the companies and representatives you want to meet. Be prepared to answer questions about yourself. Build rapport by discussing hobbies and interests, so people look forward to seeing you again.

Have Business Cards

Have professional businesses cards available to hand out at your networking event. Treat them like small brochures: Ensure your picture, a mini resume, your LinkedIn profile, and a special offer enticing recipients to contact you are included. People will remember what you looked like and are more likely to reach out to you. Be sure you always ask for a business card in return. Follow up with a note through LinkedIn, saying how pleased you were meeting the person and, if you’d like, setting a day and time to reconnect.

Utilize these four strategies to make the most of your networking events. For additional assistance with your next career move, reach out to the anti-money laundering recruitment experts at CarterWill Search & Flex today.