“Networking”. For many, it’s nothing more than a buzzword – an empty phrase used to justify long lunches and after office drinks. Inhabiting the same gaudy realm as words like “synergy”, “dynamic” and “consultant”, the phrase “networking” can be long on ambiguity and short on actual meaning. However, for the savvy operator, networking can be more than an excuse to down a few too many G&Ts on a Tuesday night – it can provide a doorway to new strategic relationships.

 

Whether or not you know it by a different name, the process of establishing strategic relationships is integral to the growth of any business or career. In other words, you should get yourself to those networking drinks ASAP.

 

 

You’re not there to waste time, and you’re not there to partake in idle chitchat. You’re there to form strategic relationships. Before you commence any conversations, formulate a loose script which details what you hope to cover, and set yourself a time limit for each interaction. What do they do? How does that relate to what you do? Does there exist an opportunity to work together on a project, or perhaps refer each other clients? Great, let’s arrange a meeting! Shake hands, exchange business cards, move onto the next one. Allow yourself time for small talk (no-one wants to network with a robot), but don’t get bogged down looking at photos of their children or discussing their recent trip to Phuket.

 

 

Nobody wants to be seen on their own at a networking function. It’s like sitting on your own during recess when you’re in primary school. If you see someone standing, sitting or drinking without any company, seize the opportunity to join them. They will be all too eager to talk to you, and they may just represent a company or organisation whose professional interests align with yours. Best case scenario, this may be the start of a beautiful strategic relationship. Worst case scenario, you’ve just saved someone from being the proverbial kid who’s chosen last for the cricket team.

 

Sometimes it can be difficult to break the ice at networking events. Starting a conversation from thin air can at times be a challenging prospect, and, quite frankly, sometimes those function loners are on their own for a reason. For this reason, it can sometimes be easier to attach yourself to someone else’s conversation. While simply sidling up to two people who are already deep in conversation can be daunting, it can be worthwhile if you have something to contribute. Oh, you’re talking about personal injuries? My firm just recently won a class action lawsuit! You’re discussing international trade regulations? I wrote my university thesis on that topic! The fact is, any two people engaged in a networking dialogue will generally welcome an informed third party, because a) you’ve just contributed meaningfully to a productive conversation, or b) one (or perhaps both) of them is tiring of the other’s company – in which case, you’ve just saved them from very awkwardly trying to exit the conversation. Either way, you’re a function hero.