Recently, I had sent out information to my Sport Management students (and otherwise marketed) an upcoming networking event meant for current and aspiring sports industry professionals. This event, by way of an additional shameless plug, is the “Philly Sports Networking event” which is being held on September 19th from 6:00-9:00pm at the new Xfinity Live facility near the sports complex in South Philadelphia. This event is tricky when it comes to networking and getting the most out of it as compared to let’s say a career fair but nonetheless it is extremely valuable and worth your while.
When attending a networking event or an otherwise-titled social event that has a professional feel to it (like an awards dinner, for example), it is usually helpful to go into it with some sort of goal in mind. I want to walk out of here with 10 business cards or I want to handout 5 resumes. However, you may not have a business card to give or an event (like this) asks that you not bring your resume. Still, try to go into the event thinking that you want to meet x number of new people, possibly collect y number business cards, or set-up z number of follow-up coffee or lunch meetings or informational interviews. Go into it with a game plan!
Networking nights are unique. Everyone has an agenda. Some people are in it for the social aspect (meeting new friends, having a drink). Others are looking for potential leads for business development purposes (sales, money). A few people might be looking for a job and if you are lucky, a small percentage of the attendees might be looking to hire now or in the near future. There are probably another half dozen reasons for attending but let’s just stick with these for now. Because there are different motives for being there, I’d suggest that you have reasonable expectations.
Since you don’t know who will be there, you can’t do homework on each person or company. No big deal. Be prepared personally and it’ll all fall into place. For you, develop a 30 second commercial or an elevator speech. Tell people who you are and what you do but do so concisely. Then listen. Ask questions of the people you are meeting with. Networking nights are a two-way street…in other words, don’t be selfish.
Aside from dressing appropriately (business casual will suffice), be sure to bring something to write with and jot down notes on. If you don’t have a business card, as I assume most college students do not, bring a professional-looking padded portfolio. Try to get the name, phone, and email of the people you meet if you do indeed plan on following up. Then, here is the key. FOLLOW-UP. I’ve been to dozens of networking events and collected hundreds of business cards but that is only half the battle. What you do next is key. Email them, call them, and/or connect with them on LinkedIn. Continue the relationship that started with a handshake and build on that relationship. Networking takes time.
Finally, I would try to meet and introduce yourself to the organizers. Thank them for putting the event together and inviting you. Perhaps they might be willing to lend you a hand in the challenging world of navigating a networking night. Good luck!
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