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Preparing for networking conversations
By Kelly Barnett | September 2, 2020
| Many networking conversations will start out over email, but it’s a good idea to try to get “face time” (in person or online) with a contact in order to really strengthen that relationship. A few basics: – Confirm the time/date as it gets closer to serve as a friendly reminder to the contact, e.g. “I look forward to speaking with you on Monday at 3 p.m.” – Make sure you have the address of where you are meeting at hand. If you’re meeting online, that means making sure that you can connect to the platform and have any needed passcodes. In-person meetings require that you have mapped out and planned how you will get there in advance. Remember to leave plenty of travel time to reach your destination, especially in big cities. – Make a great first impression. Apparel-wise, business casual is always safe, but consider your industry. What does someone doing the job you want usually wear to work? No need for a suit (this isn’t an interview!) but jeans and sneakers won’t convey that you are serious about pursuing a career in your contact’s field. “Dressing the part” when meeting with someone via Zoom or other online platform will also help to put you in the right, professional headspace. Be aware of what is in view behind you, too, when setting up for your online meeting. – If you’re interested in speaking with the contact about their company, be sure to read over the research you’ve done on it to refresh your memory. – Prepare questions that you can’t find answers to on your own and review them before your meeting. These should be specific, e.g. “Can you tell me how you got your start at the agency?” vs. the general, “What’s it like to work in advertising?” – Remember to NEVER ask a contact questions such as, “Can I give you my résumé?” or “Have any openings?” Your mission when networking is to gather information and for contacts to get to know you so that they offer such info when the time comes… IF they think you’re a good fit. – Be prepared to lead the conversation. It’s quite possible that your contact with “take the reins” once you start the conversation, but avoid any awkward silences or paranoia about not having things to discuss by coming up with a good list of things you want to speak about (the questions from the above bullet should be on this list!). -Send a thank you note after you meet. These folks are taking time out of their busy lives to meet with you and deserve a note of appreciation! US mail is best but an email is the bare minimum. Happy networking and don’t forget to check out our other networking resources here! |
