Tips from Other Women

Business networking can be a daunting experience for many women. What makes it easier is knowing you have support from other colleagues and women who are in a similar situation to yourselves. What we would like you to do here is contribute you handy hints and tips that you believe other women will find beneficial and make the whole experience of networking a whole lot easier!

If you have an idea or tip, please email enquiries@kintish.co.uk to be featured.

Women Into the Network

Planning....

Choose carefully the events you go to. If possible, obtain a guest list in advance.
Determine why you are attending the event; for information purposes or specifically networking purposes.
Prepare a 'what do you do' answer thats short, snappy and memorable.

Mix not magnet!

If you are not very confident try not to attach yourself (like glue) to the first person you get speaking to. Remember the person you are talking to, whilst they might be enjoying your company, probably wants to be able to chat to one or two other people as well.

www.womenintothenetwork.co.uk

Smart Women

When given a name badge - ensure it is placed higher up on the lapel to avoid any discomfort of others peering at your chest!

Make sure you have a jacket on that has pockets - that way you can have one pocket for your business cards and the other one for business cards you've been given.
www.womengetsmart.co.uk

Jane Horwood - Catfish Web Design

The thing to remember when you attend a networking event is that everyone is there for the same purpose: to get and/or give business. If you are nervous about approaching groups of people already in conversation, it’s a good idea to arrive early. You can then approach someone as they enter the room, probably looking for someone they can start talking to. At the beginning of the event the organisers may also be less pre-occupied and more likely to be able to introduce you.

If you are feeling a bit daunted, let the organiser know. I run networking events myself and if someone is new to networking or to my group I do my best to make them feel welcome.

Ann-Marie Naylor of Harts LLP

As i was thinking about my own experiences, I thought of an idea for myself, which I would like to share with other women.

There have been times when I have been caught without a business card, because I have changed my handbag. This frequently happens to other people as well. When business cards arrive they are usually in two boxes. My suggestion is that women take one box home straight away and stock up ALL their handbags with a supply of cards!
www.hartsllp.com

Ruth Tansley - Security Company

If leaving a business networking event on your own, put a ring on your wedding finger. The idea being, that if someone was to approach you they would believe that you have only just left someone or are going to meet someone and will soon be missed.

Sue Tonks of Synergy Consulting

When attending a business networking event it is always essential to remain safe. If going on your own, ensure your car is parked in a brightly lit area and close to the event. Ring the venue in advance to find out if they have on site parking or can recommend one to you. If this is not possible and your car is far away, offer someone a lift home or ask someone to escort you to your car. You never know, you might end up talking business!

View more free tips for business networking.