Top 5 tips for networking

Over the past two years, we’ve had to embrace a new way of networking and socialising with each other. The COVID-19 pandemic forced us to digitalise our relationships, forge new partnerships online and conduct business meetings virtually.

Whilst there are many benefits to the new digitised landscape we find ourselves in, nothing can compare to in-person events. The familiar feeling you get when you see someone you know across the room, the smile on your face when you’re sharing a funny story with someone else, or the sense of connectivity and kinship when you exchange business cards and contact details for future catchups. It’s only natural that humans crave face-to-face connection and after 2 years of not being able to connect, it’s no wonder we can’t wait to go to our next networking event.

Family Business Australia and Family Business New Zealand prides itself on bringing the family business community together through our various networking opportunities and that’s why we’ve put together a robust social activities calendar for attendees of The Family Business Conference – Asia Pacific.

From the Longest Lunch to our Ambrose Golf Tournament, there is a networking event for everyone so it’s time to dust off the cobwebs, get out of your shell and brush up on your networking skills.

Here are our top 5 tips to becoming a networking sensation at The Family Business Conference – Asia Pacific taking place from 9 – 11 March 2022 at RACV Royal Pines, Gold Coast!

Get out of your comfort zone

We’ve all been there. You know no one else in the room, you stay in the corner until someone you know comes along and then you proceed to stick with them like glue for the rest of the event.

Whilst it is only natural to gravitate towards the people we know, networking is all about meeting people outside of your inner circle. Scan the room for people who you haven’t struck a conversation with yet and get to know one another.

Pay close attention to anyone who might look new and be sure to take them under your wing.

Listen to others

Networking is all about giving and receiving information and not all about you. Show an interest in other people and find out what motivated them to attend this networking event.

From there, you can gauge whether your goals and values align with them and find some common ground to keep the conversation flowing.

It’s important to always ask open-ended questions such as why, how and who. This will help you connect more with the other person and show them that you are interested in what they have to say.

Dress to impress

You won’t make any headway if you don’t have the confidence to back yourself up. Looking and feeling good are both major components that can boost your self-confidence and get you back in the networking ring.

This doesn’t mean you need to go out and buy expensive clothes. Simply ensure your attire is appropriate for the networking event you are attending and always make sure your name tag is not hidden. This will make introductions a breeze and will help people remember you.  

The way you conduct yourself is also just as important as your dress attire. Greeting people with a warm handshake, smiling and making eye contact with others ensures that your body language is open and friendly and will encourage people to approach you easily.

Create your elevator pitch

What would you like to get out of these networking events? Are you looking to partner with another family business? Want to build upon your family business network? Or maybe you are wanting specific advice on an issue within your family business.

Establishing and setting the key goals you want to take away from your network can help you get the end result you want sooner. Don’t wait for the day of the networking event to make that happen, start prepping a simple 60-second pitch that describes who you are and what your objectives are. Remember, be unique and memorable.

Be yourself and enjoy it

Networking is all about making longstanding business connections and friends. Therefore, it is important to be yourself and have some fun with it. Make sure you take advantage of all the opportunities that the Family Business Conference has to offer and immerse yourself in all the social activities.

Now that you have the right tools under your belt to become a networking star, it’s time to put them to the test. Register your attendance to our wide range of networking events and we look forward to seeing you at The Family Business Conference – Asia Pacific in 2022.