How to Make the Most Out of Networking Events

Frances Mazur (Mazur Group), Lola Russek (Mazur Group), Jineen Jirovec (Mint Creative Studios), and Dani Frank (Mint Creative Studios) networking at a Total Beauty mixer in Los Angeles

As the host and sponsor of several networking events like Beauty Biz Roundtable and Total Beauty mixers, we understand how networking can sometimes be seen as nerve-wracking and stressful.

But as many of you have experienced at our networking events, your next opportunity is more likely to come from an extended network.

Here’s some advice on making the most of out networking and making connections:

• Get Out of Your Comfort Zone: While it’s easy to just talk to your friends and people you’ve met already, get out of your comfort zone and introduce yourself to new people. It can be scary to walk up to a stranger, but you’re both in the same industry event, so there’s already a mutual ground. Conversation starter examples can be asking them if this is their first time attending the event, interesting industry trends, or recent news about their company/brand. If you’re still hesitant about taking that first step, you can always ask a friend or a colleague at the event to make the introduction for you.

• Everyone Has Value:  The beauty industry is a small one; you never know when someone will be able to help you, or when you will be able to help them. In other words, be nice to everybody because they can help you out in ways you can’t predict yet. 

• Details, Details, Details: The key to building a deep relationship lies in details. It’s not just about who you know — it’s about how well you know them. Don’t “sell” yourself at a networking event – nobody wants to hear about your long list of accomplishments and goals. People enjoy being listened to. Ask the right questions, specifically open-ended questions that will get people to talk. Remember details from those conversations for your future follow-up. Sometimes it’s helpful to write short notes on their business cards to help you remember details about your conversation with that person.

BBR9 Keynote Speaker, Fabrice Croisé (Global Business Development Director at SelectNY) chatting with Scott Friedman (CEO of NYX Cosmetics) prior tothe start of Beauty Biz Roundtable 9.

• Be Patient: It can take months, sometimes years for relationships to pay off. Once you make a connection at a networking event, be patient and let it grow. Frequently check-in with your connections. Offer to meet again in person through coffee, after-work cocktails, or another industry event. Take the time to get to know each other. As  Sallie Krawcheck, the owner of 85 Broads (a global women’s networking organization) said, “You don’t plant a seed and try to immediately pull it out of the ground.“

• It Works Both Ways: Whether you’re looking for a new job or pitching your company’s services, never do anything with just one ulterior motive. Networking is a two-way street, and most people will appreciate you as a “problem solver” as opposed to blatantly asking for something e.g. job, business opportunity, etc. The goal of networking is to form a strategic relationship. Learn from each other and contribute to each other’s growth. Examples can be recommending a vendor, suggesting a job candidate, or introducing them to a potential client.

Ron Chavers ( President – Cosmetix West) exchanging business cards with Emrah Kovacoglu (Founder & CEO – Total Beauty Media Group) at Beauty Biz Roundtable 10.

For details on our upcoming networking events, check out our events page here