Networking events open up opportunities for professionals in similar industries to connect with each other. Networking is great because you have the chance to learn new skills for promotion, find a job at another company, learn about other roles in your industry and find a mentor that can guide you throughout your career. Networking can play a crucial role in your success. Let’s talk about the ones that are worth it.
1. Industry-Specific Speaking Engagements
Any event that features speakers on a topic that is directly related to the work you’re in - attend. You are guaranteed information from these speakers that will be first hand experience and these tips and stories will be extremely beneficial to you in the long run. Speakers often spill what tools they use, hints on what strategies work for them etc. In addition, this is a great way to meet your peers and others successful in the industry.
2. Happy Hour Networking Meetups
Let’s admit, especially after the pandemic, social anxiety has gone up. If you’re one to experience this, a happy hour networking event may be perfect for you. These types of events allow a more relaxed atmosphere with less pressure. The casual environment makes approaching strangers and having small talk easier. What’s great about happy hours is that they are typically informal. As apps and drinks are being served, you are able to step away and disengage when you need to and re-engage once you collect yourself. You’re able to have shorter discussions with multiple people without feeling rude.
Bonus Tip: Active job seekers should avoid happy hours —given their usually laid-back nature, it might encourage you to make the wrong impression on a potential boss.
3. Webinars and Workshops
Webinars have become idly popular since the pandemic. Virtual events may be the most informational and have the most reach since anyone across the globe is able to attend. This is effective to meet a wider variety of people. When you sign up for a webinar there is typically a main topic at hand. This is a great way to expand your knowledge in specific areas of your industry.
An in-person workshop is great because you have an opportunity to develop your skills while growing your network. During workshops you may watch a presentation and are more likely to have interactive learning. Like webinars, workshops will have a main focus. Attending a workshop can also be helpful if you're nervous about networking since the focus isn't on meeting new people and more so learning a skill or about a topic.
4. Trade shows
Trade shows bring together businesses in a particular industry to present their product and services. Trade shows are larger events that are filled with people interested in talking and learning about the businesses. There are so many benefits to attending trade shows - a great way for businesses to stay ahead of their competition, a great way for businesses to meet clients face to face, a place to discover new products or tools that can help grow your business, generate leads and sales etc.
Plus, everyone knows that Mango Mixers are where it's at for networking!