Networking is a huge part of our industry, and it’s a key focus of UKREiiF. We have a plethora of great content from panels, workshops, roundtables, and hackathons, but beyond this, we encourage a huge fringe programme that aids networking in numerous settings, from drink receptions and walking tours to paddle boarding and morning runs.

We’ve asked around the UKREiiF team and asked them for their tips and tricks on networking.

“You have to jump in early.” – Rachna Rall, Researcher

The ideal, which is probably my first tip, is to go with someone you know or plan to meet them there. It can be daunting when you don’t know anyone who’s attending to walk straight in and make that connection. But that said, my second tip would be to jump into networking early. As soon as you arrive, make sure you’re looking to enter a conversation, make a chat when you’re getting a drink on entry, and make sure you find a person or two to connect with early. I find this always settles any nerves for the rest of the event and gives you confidence to join other conversations too.

“Ask questions and be engaged.” – Mya Driver, Marketing Executive

Following the first few networking events I attended I thought about the people I’d build the best connection with, and the key thing that stood out was asking questions. People who asked me questions and had a true interest in either me or my business, and vice versa, the conversation flowed. I meet a lot of people at these events who sell their products and see networking as an opportunity to talk about themselves and their business a lot. So my key tip would be to make sure there is equal conversation and ask lots of questions. Being open to learning about things you don’t know about naturally builds relationships.

“Spot openings for easy networking.” – Fahmida Nisa, Project Manager

One of the most difficult things when I first started networking was that initial conversation—how do I easily join a discussion? There are lots of openings to do this; looking for someone who’s stood on their own is an obvious one, but also look at body language, and many times when there’s a group of just two or three, they’re not fully circled and closed off. You just need to have the confidence to go and say hi. I find being honest, such as “Hey, am I ok to join? I’m a newbie to networking,” actually gets the conversation flowing very quickly.

“Get involved in an association or networking group.” – Matt Christie, Director

There are so many associations and groups out there that are focused around networking, but not only that, they tie into your interests. Some of the team at UKREiiF are part of associations like Young Entrepreneurs in Property, Young Professionals in Social Value, and Building Equality; these all focus around networking but with specific aims and goals and can help you get really engaged in the industry and build friendships rather than working relationships, and the people involved in these types of associations are so often at other events too.

“Prep time and true focus is key.” – Nathan Spencer, Director

When a networking event is really important to me and the business I’ll put a lot of effort into the preparation. Firstly, and most importantly, it’s figuring out what you want to achieve and making sure that happens, so you need to build a plan to meet the right people in the right setting. Secondly, it’s then delivering that. It could be that it includes pre-messaging some of those attending to organise meetings, for example. As a recent example, when I went to a couple of private dinners, I’d also prepare on the delegates list so I knew what everyone looked like and had at least one talking point or question for each guest as a good relationship builder. For larger events, I plan which specific speakers I might want to meet and make sure I have a question lined up for the panel and have a reason to speak to them after they’ve finished speaking. Preparation is key; otherwise, you’ll regret missed opportunities.

“Follow up and build lasting relationships.” – Pete Colley, Head of National Accounts

Once you’ve managed to have those conversations, make sure they don’t go to waste. The crucial tip for me is to follow up with everyone I meet. Even if there isn’t a direct link, from a business development perspective, I often find that following up and building relationships can result in referrals and further connections. Another key element of those follow-ups is: don’t just push a sales message; make it personal; and meet up outside of the networking scene for a drink or a bite to eat, especially if you’re working in a city centre when that’s more accessible. You don’t build a relationship from a 10-minute chat at a networking event; it simply starts it.

“Remember this story.” – David Gilbank, Marketing Manager

I always try and remember some stuff I learned on a Dale Carnegie course from a few years ago about small talk and starting conversations and breaking the ice on those sometimes awkward conversations. They told me to remember this story: ‘A man or a woman is in her home, says goodbye to her partner and kids, gets in her car, drives to the airport, and flies off on holiday’ – so there’s several great topics for small talk in there: she’s in her home (which part of the world do you live?), says goodbye to her partner and kids (what does your partner do? How old are your kids?) gets in her car (what car do you drive?)  drives to the airport goes on holiday (‘have you been on any holidays lately?) … These have never let me down. They always lead to other topics. Of course, sport is always good, i.e., ‘What’s your team?” These golden topics can make a difference in not just making contacts but also making friendships.

Over the coming months, we’ll be sharing further tips and tricks, with video content designed to give you advice on how to get the most out of UKREiiF and where the best networking and business development opportunities might be.

For any comments or further information, contact Nathan Spencer at [email protected]