Top Tips for Making the Most of Networking Events
Need some advice for how you can make the most of your time at Cambridge Chamber of Commerce Networking Breakfasts, Business After Hours or other networking events that you attend around town? Feel a little awkward in a room full of people that you don’t know well? Keep the following list of pointers in mind the next time you attend a CCC event or find yourself in another networking situation.
• Map the location and figure out where you’ll park ahead of time, to minimize the possibility of arriving late and flustered.
• Find out the dress code. Business or business casual attire is appropriate for most of our events.
• Bring plenty of business cards, keep them easily accessible and try to keep your own cards separated from others that you collect.
• Practice telling your story ahead of time. Have your elevator speech ready. But realize when it’s not appropriate to sell. Often its more important to make connections in other ways.
• Think about topics that can jumpstart conversation. Read the newspaper, listen to NPR. The weather, major news stories, the food at the event all can be good fodder for conversation. Even admitting you’re nervous can be endearing.
• Try not to arrive on a completely empty stomach—you’re there to network, not sit in the corner chowing down on hors d’oeuvres.
• Bring cash in case there’s a cash bar at evening events, but watch your alcohol intake. No one wants to be known as “That drunk guy/gal.”
• Listen more than you speak and pay attention while you do. Don’t just wait for the other person to stop speaking so you can start.
• Don’t stray into TMI (too much information) territory. Avoid topics that are too personal or controversial.
• Remember that networking is a two way street. You aren’t there just to get something; you are also there to discover what you can do to help someone else.
• Be yourself. A polite, affable version of yourself. Obnoxious know-it-all loudmouths are, well, obnoxious, and no one wants to talk to them.
• Consider bringing a wing [wo]man if you think it will make you feel more comfortable, but make sure you don’t just talk to him/her. Better yet, come alone and search out someone to talk to who is by him/herself, too.
• Learn how to end a conversation and say good bye gracefully, and do so whether you are talking to someone interesting or not.
• Accept that you will likely say something dumb, at some point, to someone. Or another attendee will blow you off, look for someone more interesting to talk to or clearly not be listening to you. Get over it and approach someone else.
• Smile and relax. After all, it’s only a networking event and there will be plenty more.


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