Building the right connections with the right people is key to taking your career to the next level. Networking is a brilliant opportunity to develop and make new industry relationships and exchange ideas, which helps you to grow.
Walking into a room full of strangers can be intimidating – especially with events being virtual for so long – but it doesn’t have to be. Take a look below for all you need to know about Networking as well as some handy tips and tricks to take to your next in-person event!
Benefits of Networking
Networking can help you to stand out from the crowd in more ways than one!
Listening to other people’s ideas can enhance your creative thinking and even inspire you to bring new techniques to your current role. It can lead to referrals and open doors to new opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach.
Developing relationships with industry acquaintances can also allow you to share your skills, stretch your boundaries and break out of your comfort zone. This is a great way to help you to foster newfound confidence, both personally and professionally.
PHUSE's Top Networking Tips
Be Prepared
Do some research! Take a look at the attendees’ pre-event and make a list of people you want to meet such as leaders and influencers in your niche and people whose work you admire or who are involved in a community you would like access to.
Why not make a second list of people that you’ve met previously and would like to strengthen your connection with?
Get Curious
To connect with people, ask lots of questions! Make sure you actively listen to them and engage with what they’re saying. Ask people about their interests beyond their work life – you might find you connect on a personal level rather than a professional one, which is still connecting.
Not Sure Where to Start?
Think about the best way to connect as this can help you to make a great first impression. Do you have any people or professional links in common that you can bring to their attention?
Ask for introductions! ‘Could you introduce me to…?’ or ‘Would you mind if I tag along to…?’ People love to help, so don’t be afraid to reach out. Take a look at our top conversation starters below.
Conversation Starters
- Tell me about yourself!
- Have you been working on anything exciting lately?
- Where did you start off in the industry?
- Are you working on any personal projects right now?
- How long have you been part of this organisation?
- Have you been to an event like this before?
- Who are you hoping to meet?
- Is there anything I can do to help you?
- What was the highlight of your day today/the event?
- Where are you from/have you been here before?
How to Network at the US Connect
Social Events
PHUSE’s social events are great for meeting attendees in one place. They’re designed to help you mix, enjoy refreshments and have lots of fun.
- Welcome Event & Speed Networking – Sunday 1 May
- PHUSE’s Monday Night Dinner – Monday 2 May
- Drinks and Canapés at the Poster Session – Tuesday 3 May
- Poker Night – Tuesday 3 May
Your daily breaks are also an opportunity for networking, where you could have a walk round the exhibitor hall and enjoy lunch with other attendees.
Use the PHUSE App
Don’t forget you can connect with other attendees via the PHUSE App either prior to or during the event. Simply go on to the ‘Community’ or ‘Speakers’ tabs to view all of the attendees. It’s a great idea to reach out before the event, especially if they’re someone you’d like to speak to in person.
You can use your ‘I’m Attending’ graphic for people to connect with you too!
Take a look at PHUSE’s US Connect page to find out more, register and view the full agenda.
