How to: Introduce Yourself at a Networking Event (and make sure people remember you).

Networking events are great for making connections and expanding your list of contacts. Both your personal and business brand can benefit from these outings by planting the seeds for meaningful professional relationships.

Introducing yourself at a networking event is an important step in building professional relationships.

Here are a few tips for introducing yourself at a networking event:

01. Start with a smile and a firm handshake:

A friendly smile and a strong handshake can go a long way in making a good first impression. Watch you body language throughout the conversation – make sure it is engaged and you are maintaining eye contact.

02. Use your elevator pitch/memorable tagline:

Have a concise and well-written elevator pitch prepared in advance that summarizes your background and what you do. This can be a helpful way to introduce yourself and give others a sense of who you are and what you do. For introductions, craft one sentence that concisely describes who you are and what you do. Use something catchy and memorable.

03. Ask questions:

Consider asking a thought-provoking question to engage the other person and start a meaningful conversation. This could be a question about their work or a question about a current trend or issue in your industry. This can help you get to know them and build a connection, and also helps to steer the conversation in a more natural and engaging direction.

Start by asking questions about them, rather than talking about you.

04. Share a unique aspect of your background:

Consider sharing a unique aspect of your background or experiences to help you stand out. This could include talking about a unique hobby or interest, or sharing a memorable career experience.

05. Be authentic:

Don’t try to be someone you’re not – be genuine and authentic in your interactions. People will be more likely to connect with you if they feel you are being genuine and sincere. Talk about what interests and drives you.

06. Focus On The Personal Connection:

When making connections at a networking event, a personal connection should come before business. Introduce yourself as if you were meeting a new friend. Find a common interest on a personal level to build that connection before getting down to business. People are more likely to trust you as a professional if they know who you are on a personal level

07. Have a Business Card:

Have a unique/memorable business card to help you stand out. Our company puts our pictures on our business cards, which I hated at first, but actually it is a great idea and I’ve found that people are more likely to remember me. If your picture is on your card, you are literally associating your face to your name.

08. Research your audience:

I find doing a little homework before going to a networking event can be beneficial. If you know who is attending the event, you can prepare in advance, how you can make an impact on the attendees. For example if you know something about them or what they do you can tailor your introduction accordingly so that it has more of an impact when it lands.

09. Practice your introductions:

Consider practicing your introductions with a friend or colleague before the event. This can help you feel more confident and comfortable when introducing yourself to new people.

By following these tips, you can effectively introduce yourself at a networking event and start building connections with others in your field.