How to Network: Networking Etiquette Tips for Professionals

How to network is something that all emerging leaders need to master (or re-master) as we may have lost practice over the past couple of years. As we move slowly back to more in-person events and conferences, I thought it timely to refresh your memory on networking etiquette tips and how to network in business.

I know that many of you are probably daunted by networking events. Common struggles I've helped people with are: How to start a conversation? How to shake hands? And should you eat at a networking event? I address all these questions and more in this video.

How to network is something that should be taught in college or professional development courses. But unfortunately, it isn't. What's sure is that if you spend some time watching this video to improve your networking skills and learn how to network with confidence, you'll put yourself ahead of your competition. And set yourself up for career and leadership success!

Watch this video now and learn how to network with poise and confidence!

Timestamps:
00:00 How to network
00:40 Do this before the event
03:06 When should you arrive?
04:06 How to break into a conversation
05:53 This is how you look elegant!
07:18 Should you eat at the event?
08:03 What questions do you ask?
09:53 Use the right handshake
11:48 How about body language?

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[monikarobinson]

We are all human. Human beings need to eat. If the event has food, EAT the food. You can take a few minutes to eat the finger food, go to the bathroom check for crumbs and wash your hands. Then return to networking.

[thenetworkerstourguide]

Asking good questions is a great way to build rapport.

[tuuyeninhhoang]

I have another problem with networking. I find it so hard to maintain relationships. I don't know how to strike a second conversation after we've introduced. I don't know when can I be of service, it's so difficult to appear not pushy.
I know part of me think it is exhausting to randomly approach and socialise with acquaintances, too.

[heavestlus]

So how do you handle a situation where people you want to network with do not want to network with you because they have heard this wonderful tip about talking only with those who advance your career.

[gaileverett]

It seems that 60% of the people at networking events have no business card!!!

[bhimpokhrel]

Networking is very important in professional life for better building a business relationship for the long term.

[nishajacob]

Hi Kara - I love your practical videos and they are super helpful- so first of all- a big thank you 😊.

I wanted to request if you could do a video on interviews- I’m an excellent worker but fumble a lot at interviews especially competency based interviews where examples need to be shared. Also I tend to forget what I’ve prepared when I see all those interviewers around me. Would be Grateful for your valuable tips. Thank you.

[TheExperienceShow_]

Thank you - this is great information as I'm going to an important networking event!

[pennyjamestrichologist]

Great advice. Love the strategy concept.

[BTNH_NiNJA]

Thank you Kara. Informative content for my Entrepreneurial studies 👍🏽

[stclassbusinessexecutive]

@Kara, I love your videos. Networking skills are very important, especially in growing business. :)

[alyxchynellepriestley]

Isn't eating entirely dependent on the type of networking event you're attending? I absolutely agree that you shouldn't go to any event without at least eaten something light prior so you can focus on the task at hand but I also have been at events with people who don't know how to read a room because they're so last focused on things like: not eating because they don't want to look unprofessional. It's not so black and white in my opinion.

[Zoe-Dixon]

Thank you Kara. Informative content for my Entrepreneurial studies

[Pixel]

Lol I don't care, I'm eating

[mzmaiyah]

Great tips! Sometimes I attend events with my spouse or my sister, who are also business professionals. What is the proper etiquette of introducing them to others that I may know? Who do I introduce first? How much information do I share about my spouse or the people at the event I am introducing?

[krhxzpu]

Thank you for nice indication ! I love your videos!

[frankmgecha]

Thank you for networking insights..Great inputs

[ayinnonwanfreedom]

Hi I’m a student please does it make sense to have a physical card I can give to expert at a networking eventS

[henrycole]

When you join these groups and deal with the same people once a week or so. Now they know you, what you do. the need of what you provide declines unless they remember you and tell someone else they know. So its about friendship and a bit of loyalty?

[MadhumithaV-op]

Does anyone else feel she looks like Brienne of Tarth from GOT?