Networking events are a great way for human resources professionals to make the connections they need to be really effective in the business world. In the world of human resources, getting out and meeting people is more than a perk, it's an essential component of your career. Like many people, you might be ill at ease during networking events. If you aren't experienced with meeting people outside of the comfort zone of your office, you can miss out on valuable chances to meet important contacts who might be responsible for your next job, your continued advancement within the company, or even for arranging discount business services that can help your company with the bottom line. Here are three tips for mixing more effectively at networking events.
The first thing to remember about networking events is that you aren't alone. Just about everybody else at the seminar, conference, or even cocktail party is there for the same reason you are—to meet and make friendly contacts. Being nervous in such an environment can render moot the purpose of networking events. Try to be comfortable with yourself and your position as an HR manager. While shyness might be charming at a private function, its effect at networking events is often to intimidate you out of making the necessary introductions.
Having overcome—or at least temporarily repressed—your social awkwardness, you may be tempted to mingle compulsively and make contact with as many people as you possibly can. Avoid this temptation if you find yourself unable to devote enough time to each new person you meet. Coming away from an event with just a few contacts you've really gotten a chance to know is far preferable to briefly exchanging business cards with scores of strangers.
While spending enough time with new contacts is important, so is a certain amount of circulation. Don't let yourself get cornered by a single individual, no matter how interesting the conversation. Remember that the purpose of networking events is to network. One way to strike a balance between drifting from person to person without really getting to know anyone, and artificially restricting yourself to a limited number, is to seek out more structured, and even formal, networking events in which you're expected to circulate. This puts you in touch with more people than you might otherwise meet, while giving you enough time for productive networking.
Networking events can be a lot of fun for professionals looking to break up the daily office routine. Feel free to have fun at them, but never forget that you're there to make essential contacts with other professionals who will someday be in a position to help you be more effective in your work. Enjoy yourself at networking events, but put your time to good use and meet the people you'll need to know.
(Photo courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net)
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