I used to hate attending networking events! As a writer, I knew networking was important but I found myself struggling with who to talk to and what to say. Sometimes, I'd be the only writer in the room, so I couldn't determine how my value fit in. These types of events can level-up your game, however, it’s important to be intentional in order to get what you need out of them.
How can you make sure your next networking event is as productive and focused as possible? Here are three questions that I ask myself:
· What is my intention for this meeting?
· What is important?
· What matters most?
If I am going to take time to attend an event, I want to get the maximum benefit. I also identify at least one person that I want to meet and determine how I can assist them in what they do. This was a game changer for me.
Don't forget the usual: Have plenty of business cards on hand. The last thing you want to happen is not have a way for people to contact you, after an awesome connection with someone. I also have my phone ready, as many people often ask to see my poetry or any videos. I can pull up my website for them and it's all good to go.
I realized that successful people constantly seek clarity. They work hard to eliminate distractions so they cannot just focus, but continually re-focus, on what is important. Clarity isn’t something you get. Clarity is something you have to seek -- you only find clarity and focus when you actively search for it.
Keep in mind, the same holds true on a personal level. Successful people don't wait for an external trigger to start making changes. Successful people don't wait until New Year's Day, or until Monday, or until the first of the month -- they decide what changes they want to make and they get started. Now.
I hope these tips help you to get the most out of your next networking event. Drop me a line on Instagram @archuletawrites and let me know how it goes.