Developing Confidence For Networking At Conferences

No matter what conference or event you are at, if you are looking to make the most of it, you will want to network. Whether you are looking for partners, suppliers, financial backers or any other form of arrangement that will help you to achieve business success, being able to network is very important.

Some people may say that they are shy or that they lack confidence in meeting new people and networking with them. It is understandable that some people take to networking more effectively than others but equally, everyone should be able to network. If you have managed to obtain a role and you hold it down, there is nothing that you don’t do every day that you cannot utilise when it comes to networking.
If you need some tips for being able to network effectively, here are some things to think about:


Smile 

It sounds simple, and it is something that many people will overlook, but having a smile on your face can go a long way when you are looking to network. If you walk around with a serious look on your face, you will subconsciously tell people to avoid you, which will limit the number of people who may approach you. Also, if you walk up to someone and attempt to introduce yourself while looking serious or scowling, they will be less receptive to you. If you are looking to network effectively, smile and you will be off to a flying start.


Ask a question/questions

 

If you are looking to engage people, ask them a question. This gives you a chance to show that you have an interest or some knowledge of the field you are in, and it shows that you are interested in other people’s opinions. It also indicates that you have an interest in the answer that the other person will provide, which shows that you have respect for them. If you are looking to initiate a conversation, asking a question is always an excellent starting point.


Listen 

You may feel as though you want to talk about what you have to offer and how you can help other people but as with most conversations, you will find that listening is the most important element. If you can let other people speak and take in what they have to say and respond in an effective manner, you will find that it becomes a whole lot easier to engage and interact with people.


Have business cards handy 

Again, this may sound like a simple thing when it comes to networking but it is something that many people overlook. Being able to hand over a business card gives you a chance to be remembered at a later date, and it also provide the opportunity to catch up. When it comes to networking, and no matter how much the importance of digital connections develops, you will find that a traditional business card is a great way to connect with professionals.


Be yourself 

Depending on your personality type, this may be a worrying tip but in reality, most people will find that they are far more likely to connect with others when they are true to themselves. This is because you will feel more relaxed and you will be far more likely to converse in a natural manner. Many people feel as though they need to put on a persona to achieve success in the business world but there is a great deal to be said for developing confidence in yourself and then just being yourself when you meet others.


Be enthusiastic 

If you are at a major event or conference, there is a good chance that you will meet a lot of people and that the people that meet you will meet a lot of people as well. This means that you need to stand out and a great way of doing this is if you can tap into a passion or enthusiasm for what you do.
If you love what you do, and you can ensure that this comes across to others, you will find that people are engaged by you and that they will enjoy your conversation. This increases the likelihood of them remembering you at a later date.

No matter what mood or mind-set you have at a conference, there is a great deal to be said for feeling fresh and relaxed when you attend. This means that the right style of accommodation in Cannes can help you to network in an effective manner. When you feel relaxed and happy, you will be more confident in speaking to others, so if you heading to MIPIM ’16, make sure that you find the best standard of accommodation in Cannes.

Author bio:
Andrew Reilly is a freelance writer with a focus on news stories and consumer interest articles. He has been writing professionally for 9 years but has been writing for as long as he can care to remember. When Andrew isn't sat behind a laptop or researching a story, he will be found watching a gig or a game of football.