Written by Sarah Parker, AWT member, multi-talented senior freelance writer and content marketer

Now that you know which networking events around Austin are worth your time, it’s time to brush up on your networking skills. Whether you’re a seasoned pro at small talk or recoil in horror at the very idea of talking to a stranger – even a very nice, professional one – we’ve got the tips and resources you need to proceed with confidence into that next industry happy hour. 

4 tips for those who hate networking or are feeling rusty  

Many people have only recently gotten back into the swing of networking at in-person events so don’t worry about feeling like you’re the only one who’s out of practice. Ease back in with these tips and tricks. 

1. Start virtual

You don’t have to go back to in-person events if you’re uncomfortable with it! Look for virtual networking events that will allow you to connect with others in your industry from the comfort of your own space. 

As a bonus, virtual events let you connect with people outside of your immediate geographic area, giving you a wider range of connections. (And you can have your pets with you for moral support the whole time.) 

Consider something like the Net-Do virtual community and their events. 

2. Look for islands 

If you are venturing back into the physical world, take the advice of the Harvard Business Review and look for odd-numbered groups of people to join when you find yourself in a sea of strangers. People tend to talk to each other in groups of two, so a group of three or five will likely have an odd person out who’s looking for a conversational partner. 

3. Figure out what you have in common with someone

Networking is all about connection. Think about the hobbies and interests you could discuss at networking events – sports you follow, exercise you enjoy, a new podcast you listened to, and a fun fact you learned from it. 

When you’re talking to someone new, think of it like a Venn Diagram where the sweet spot is finding something you’re both interested in to discuss, from all of the things you separately enjoy as people. That might be something specifically about your jobs and it might not. 

 

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When all else fails, bring up your pet or child and show the other person a cute photo of them (pro tip: have one picked out ahead of time and saved in your Favorites so you don’t have to awkwardly stand around scrolling for one). Almost everyone has either a pet or a child, so it’s an easy way to start a conversation and a connection. 

If you can’t find anything you have in common with someone, don’t be afraid to end the conversation and move on to another one. 

4. Bring a friend

You don’t have to network alone! If simply having a familiar face in the room with you will help, invite a coworker to go along with you, or a friend who works in the same industry. Try not to stick to their side the entire time; challenge yourself to talk to at least one new person and figure out what you have in common. 

Just knowing you have a friend to return to if a conversation dries up or becomes awkward can give you the confidence you need to get started. 

3 tips for those who want to level up their networking 

If you’re feeling comfortable with networking on a basic level but want to do more to strengthen the connections you’re making, here’s how you can level up your connection game. 

5. Follow up, for real  

Challenge yourself to send a follow-up message if you connected with someone on LinkedIn, or an email if you got someone’s card at an event. Then take it another step further: actually set up a time to grab a coffee or invite them to another relevant event coming up that seems like it would be relevant for them. 

LinkedIn isn’t a Pokedex where you just want to collect them all. The power of connections is being able to provide value for one another – and that can start over a cup of coffee. 

6. Connect your connections 

If you find yourself thinking that X person would be a great connection for Y friend or Z coworker of yours, take the extra step and connect them with one another. Send a message introducing them to each other, highlighting why you think they should know each other, and then let them take it from there. 

If you know the other parties are a little shy, suggest that you all meet for coffee, lunch, or happy hour and introduce them the same way, letting each of them know why you think they should know each other. 

7. Plan the event you want to see

If there’s a specific type of networking event you’d like to attend but have never found, create it. The first meetup doesn’t have to be extremely formal, either; invite some of your existing network to meet up for casual coffee and conversation around your industry. 

If after a few events turnout is steady, consider reaching out to others you admire in your industry that you’d like to get to know better and invite them to attend. If someone isn’t able to make it, follow up and invite them to the next one. A personal invitation makes it much more likely they’ll make the time for the next event. 

Got any networking advice we missed? Leave it in the comments!

If you'd like to contribute to the AWT blog, please connect with Leslie M. Dill via LinkedIn or email publicrelations@awtaustin.org.