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Whether you’re brand new to the UK capital or a long-time London resident, networking in the Big Smoke is crucial if you’re to make a success of yourself. Wherever you are in your career, networking is the easiest way to connect with like-minded professionals, secure lucrative partnerships, and hone in on the best opportunities. However, networking comes easier to some than others. Need some help improving your networking game? Below, we’ll take a closer look at what you need to remember when networking in London.
Networking Event Types
There’s no shortage of networking events in London. In fact, the London Chamber of Commerce (LCCI) hosts more than 200 events annually. No two events are ever the same, but most can be grouped into one of several categories.
Open Networking and Activity-Based Networking Events
First up, there are open networking events. These largely informal gatherings can take place in all manner of venues, ranging from pubs and bars to casual exchanges in restaurants. Then, you have activity-based networking events. As the name suggests, these events are framed around unique activities designed to break the ice and get people talking.
Conferences and Exhibitions
A more conventional approach to networking is the conference model. Most conferences and work summits tend to be anchored to a particular industry, while others may be inspired by a single theme. These events tend to be spread out across multiple days, offering a packed schedule of activities, keynote speakers, and panel discussions. What’s more, you’ll find plenty of time to mingle with like-minded professionals at social mixers. Planning on visiting London for exactly this type of event? Find great rates on apartment hotels at https://londonservicedapartments.co.uk/aparthotels-london/.
Other Ways to Network
Can’t make it to a conference you’re itching to attend? Rather than miss out on the chance to network, think about joining a virtual event instead. You’ll find plenty of virtual events serving all manner of industries, with many offering the same Q&A sessions and keynote speakers you’d expect from a traditional event. What’s more, thanks to high-speed internet connections, it’s easy to network with other virtual attendees.
Selecting the Right Networking Event
Not every networking event is going to be right for you. If you’re practically minded, a workshop event is probably the best fit, while roundtable discussions are an ideal choice for more confident professionals looking to get their voice heard. For the wallflower, mixers and conferences are the perfect opportunity to bite the bullet and break out those business cards.
Know Your Objectives
Networking is a broad term, so you’ll need to be clear about what you’re hoping to get out of attending an event. Are you simply looking to build your list of contacts? Are you actively looking for new business ventures? Perhaps you’re keen to jump ship from your existing career and explore an entirely different field. By underlining what your intentions are, you’ll get much more value out of the events you do attend.
Don’t Forget About Existing Contacts
Do you spot any familiar faces at an event you’re attending? Don’t be afraid to say hello. Even if a contact has fizzled out, they may be able to introduce you to others who are better aligned with your objectives and career path. As a rule, try to nurture any halfway valuable contacts with follow-up emails for exactly this kind of purpose.
Perfect Your Pitch
If you want to really up your game, make sure you’ve nailed a killer elevator pitch ahead of visiting any events. It’s even more important if you’re arriving at an event with a very specific objective in mind. You’ll need to explain what you or your business does and how your skills and experience can benefit the person you’re networking with. As a rule, try to keep your pitch between 30-60 seconds.
Networking Made Easy
The London business scene might be one of the most competitive in the world, but it’s also ripe with fruitful opportunities for ambitious professionals. That being said, standing out from the crowd can be difficult, which is why networking is so important. Do you struggle to make connections and capitalise on contacts? Do your research and know a prospective event inside and out before attending, fine-tune your elevator pitch, and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.
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