How to Network with Rosie Brown, Professional Jazz Musician and regular network attendee and organiser.
1. How can I make the most of a networking opportunity?
Make sure you know beforehand who is going to be there - if possible get hold of a list of those who have registered and the companies / areas they work in so you can decide who it is you really want to speak to. Take lots of business cards. Ask if it would be ok to contact them in the future to talk more about whatever it is you are talking about.
2. How do I remember people?
I usually ask for a business card and jot some notes down on the back (what we talked about; any areas of common interest; just something to jog my memory)
3. Should I follow up?
Only if you have something to offer. Then you are not selling cold.
4. How do I approach people?
It can be really scary to go up to someone cold so it's useful if you know something about their business / area of work. Pay them a compliment for something you have admired that they have done ( only if genuine!) Ask them questions about their work, then when and if you get chance find time to tell them about what you do. CIDA's Speakeasy course can help you with this.
5. What's in it for me?
Networking is great background marketing. If your face is around, people will remember you when it comes to the job or the gig. The music industry is a brilliant example of this and typically networking is done at gigs. I often get lots of useful information from people and am able to give some out at gigs i go to. I recently met a bass player at a gig I had not seen for months. The next day I was recommending him to another bass player who rang me to ask me to recommend someone for a gig he needed to cover.
6. Isn't networking all about me, me, me?
The best networkers are generous with their time and contacts and like helping others too.
Ask the Expert: How to Network