Ahhh networking, the thing your mother keeps telling you that you should be doing constantly, even though you have no idea how to successfully do it. But just so you know: you are in the same boat as everyone else. Here is everything that goes through your head as you attempt to network and get that job.
VERY OBVIOUS DISCLAIMER: Any advice given in this article is very unqualified. Follow advice at your own risk.
1. "Do I look business enough?"
Look, even though we are told not to care what other people think, we still cannot escape the fact that there are classes on how to look business appropriate. Just do you, but also a baggy sweatshirt and ripped jeans might not get you that high paying job you need.
2. "How do I even approach this stranger?"
The problem is that you don't even know these strangers...that's why they are called strangers. You don't know how they are going to react, and frankly, they don't know how you are going to either. So it's really a free-for-all-shit-storm. Just go for it, but don't interrupt anyone's conversations.
3. "Ok, I introduced myself. Now what?"
So you got the relatively hard part of approaching the person out of the way, and you even introduced yourself! So now what? You pretty much need to act on your toes and connect with something that the person just said. So if they say, "I am currently a freelance photographer," you can reply with, "oh, my uncle is a photographer too! What kind of photography do you shoot?" (No one needs to know that your uncle is actually a banker). The conversation should hopefully flow after that.
4. "How do I give my business card without looking needy?"
So now you have bullshitted your way through that almost rehearsed conversation. Now, just in case there is a future here, you want to give your business card. Well for one, CONGRATS ON ACTUALLY HAVING A BUSINESS CARD (ya done well kid)! Instead of just handing it to them, say something like, "well, it was great chatting with you, and here is my business card if you would like to follow up with anything, or just to keep in contact."
5. BONUS TIPS & TRICKS: Things you should have with you if you are about to successfully network:
1. Business Cards: Somehow this has not been phased by modern technology.
2. Resume: Odds are you are not going to hand it out, but its good to have it just in case.
3. Your senses: Eye contact is always key, as well as listening with your ears. Your mouth will help in talking, and your nose might be able to smell your own bullshit as you try to get a job.
