A Guide To Networking Better At Events.

This post was inspired by a conversation I had with a friend a while back. We were trying to decide on if to attend a particular event that weekend and talked about how almost meaningless it was going to these events anyways, because we never seemed to achieve much out of it.


I mean, every time I accept an invitation to a store launch or some other fashion event, I do it with the mind that I’m going out there to ‘network’, mingle, maybe meet people and get somewhere from there but do I end up doing any of that? No, not really! So why bother huh?


I also realized from talking with other people that I definitely wasn’t alone in this boat.
I’m a bit of an introvert but there has to be a balance and maybe a cheat score for people like me to get this networking game in the bag right? Right! 
So I decided to call in someone I know who has a lot of experience in this department to school me and share some of her tips for aceing this networking thing. It helps that she is a PR person, so these things are right up her alley.


For me and everyone out there who is a bit socially inept when it comes to networking at events, here’s a quick guide from fashion PR girl and fellow amazonian ( team 6ft and above. he he) Cynthia Lawrence Nwaru, on how to get it right

Doing this feature, I immediately thought to myself I should write down everything about going out to events I wish someone had told me three years ago.
As a publicist it is imperative in my line of work to be up to date with my industry and find events that would not only be entertaining but be a good opportunity to network.

I would like to note for this article, according to the dictionary; Networking is associating with individuals of common interest, forming to provide mutual assistance, helpful information or the like of it.

It isn’t a lot about just heading out to an event with only one intent to Network, after my first few events where I mostly stood around (hopefully with a drink) and people watching with my best friend who I made to go to these things with me just so I didn’t feel like I was in the wrong room when I didn’t know anyone. I realized there are certain questions I needed to answer before I walked out the door.

-Who am I and what do I do?


-What type of people am I trying to connect with?


-What do I have to offer?


-Who is going to be at this event?


-What is my end goal?


-What do I wear to this event?

Answering these questions could help with conversation starters. For example knowing the type of people you would like to connect with, helps narrow your room work.
Knowing who you are and what you do is the most important question next to what do I wear?

If you are still trying to figure out what you do and who you are.
My advice is to know the type of people you are trying to connect with, you can do some research on them and if you spot them at an event the trick is to Brave contact! – Walk up to them and congratulate them on a recent achievement, outfit choice or just glad to meet them because you’ve been meaning to- and when it’s your turn to offer an introduction play it cool and be as honest about yourself as possible- They might be the one to put you on track to knowing more about yourself.

What do I wear to this event? – Outfit choices might gravitate people towards or away from you. I always try to keep it simple but interesting enough. Outfits can be great conversation starters, be sure to pay people compliments at events and be very receptive when you are paid one!

What do I have to offer? Personally my job revolves on leverage so I always like to be aware of openings, opportunities I can share with people who I feel are a fit and I find that people in return try to share opportunities they feel would be of interest with me. Making recommendations and endorsements where you can would definitely make networking at events worth your while. Some go to events with the hope of hearing about an opportunity and others are there just so they can have a good time, It is important to know how to stir conversations without seeming intrusive and/or desperate, maintaining eye contact and paying attention to body language makes all the difference.

No matter what the end goal is, appearing confident is always the best look. Stand up straight, and remember you belong in the room so work it, have fun with the conversations and if you find yourself just standing in a corner, remind yourself you could have stayed at home and been a lamp post!!!

That should get you into the mood to mix!

Always exchange contacts and stay in touch, so when you run into them at another event you are already a familiar face! Importantly have a good time doing it all! Xo