Networking can often feel intimidating, especially when it involves walking into a room full of strangers and engaging in small talk. However, when approached with the right mindset, building genuine relationships that can provide you with a wider professional network for knowledge sharing, can be a hugely rewarding experience.
The LPA run a series of NextGen events which are a great place to meet people from across the property sector. We aim to make them as dynamic as possible with seminars and walking tours, providing an easy platform to learn new things and meet new industry peers.
To help you get started, here are some top tips to demystify networking and help you build meaningful connections.
Be curious
One common misconception about networking is that it’s all about self-promotion. On the contrary, one of the most powerful tools you can use in networking is curiosity. Never be afraid of asking questions, listen and absorb as much as you can, learning from other’s experiences. When you show interest, this helps build relationships and enables future conversations to be more insightful.
Be authentic
Be genuine in your conversations and don’t feel the need to be anything other than yourself. People appreciate authenticity, and it helps in forming long-lasting relationships based on trust. Trying to appear overly confident can often have the opposite effect and be considered insincere. Be yourself and enjoy learning about others.
What do you do?
Be prepared to talk about who you are and what you do. Have an understanding of your company’s role in the profession, projects you’re working on, as well as other projects in your office. You don’t need to have a perfect elevator pitch or know every detail, but knowing how to explain your work can keep conversations flowing. If someone asks a question you don’t know the answer to, don’t panic, this is an opportunity to say you will find out and follow up with them the day after, keeping the conversation going.
Follow up
One of the most important, yet often overlooked, aspects of networking is following up. After meeting someone, send a brief message to express your appreciation for the conversation. This shows you value the connection and opens a line of communication. Connecting on LinkedIn or other professional platforms allows you to stay updated on their work and identify future opportunities to collaborate.
Offer help
Networking isn’t a one-way street. It’s important to remember that offering help is just as crucial as asking for it. Whether it’s sharing resources, introducing someone to a colleague, or giving advice, providing value strengthens your connections.
Be patient and set goals
Building a strong network doesn’t happen overnight. Be patient and focus on nurturing relationships. Set clear goals for your networking to help focus your efforts, whether you’re looking to gain industry insights, explore new job opportunities, or find a mentor. Over time, these relationships will mature and the benefits will follow.
Networking is about creating lasting relationships, not merely collecting contacts. Whether you’re attending an event, following up on LinkedIn, or offering help to someone in your network, the goal is to build genuine connections. Be patient, stay authentic and remember that networking is a long-term investment in your personal and professional growth.
You never know where your next connection could take you!
