Peeler Group International has joined other organizations in sponsoring the EP Mixer scheduled for February 16, 2023, in North Palm Beach, Florida. For more location and time information on this event and to register, visit our calendar of events for the links.

Do you know what to do and what to expect at an industry networking event? Well, the first step is preparation…

Preparation is the key to networking and obtaining opportunities with those you want to engage. Prepare your plan of attack through tactical preparation. Identify and learn about those you seek to engage and how you will approach each person – but don’t overdo it! Your plan should be strategic and swift, prepare to let those engaged know who you are, where you are from, your knowledge, and your experience. But like any other marketing, use bulleted statements to get their attention so you may follow up later.

We recommend these areas of focus because most successful practitioners and agency owners in the protection business are strategic thinkers. They can not only see directly through much of the bull thrown at them. They want a very acute view of you to know what kind of person you are, your knowledge and skillsets, and your location. This allows them to search where their needs are and how you might fit into these needs.

Here are some article tips that align with our thoughts and what we may look for when meeting potential partners and employment seekers. “How to Prepare for a Networking Event” By Christine Bernier Lienke

Prepare your elevator speech.

Some of the most important preparatory tasks will occur prior to the networking event that you plan to attend. One such task is to prepare and practice an “elevator speech,” which is a three- to five-minute description of what you do or an important project that you’re working on. Having this information prepared in advance will put you at ease when asked, “What do you do?”

Update your online networking accounts.

Before attending your networking event, review and update your business networking accounts, including LinkedIn, your professional website, or other affiliations that feature profiles about you. Include your latest accomplishments, promotions, relevant volunteer work, and other important updates. After you’ve met an interested party at the event, they’ll likely look you up online, and having these accounts updated will promote the positive image you wish to portray.

Scrub your social media pages.

Similarly, you should take a keen look at your social media pages such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and others. Scrub these sites of any overly personal information or opinions, which could turn away a future business contact.

Get new business cards.

There are many resources for inexpensive business cards or contact cards available to allow you to order new, updated cards prior to your networking event for little out-of-pocket expense. Consider the message you wish to convey when selecting the theme of the card and consider what information you wish to share on the card.

Remember, this is for business building, so consider including only your name, work phone, work email address, website or LinkedIn profile URL, and work address. Refrain from adding personal information.

We know that the most challenging and stressful thing to do during a networking event is to approach someone you have never met – but how will they know you?

Don’t allow your nerves to overthrow your thought or your words.

Be Thoughtful – if the person you wish to engage in speaking to someone, stand within their view without entering the conversation uninvited. Once you have engaged the person know when it is time to move on.

Be confident – but do not be arrogant. You must be confident in your appearance but do not allow this to spill over to arrogance. Speak about what you know and admit if you are unfamiliar with a particular subject. This shows integrity and your willingness to learn!

Be Cordial – being professional is observed by others more so through observation of your interactions with others and not necessarily the person you may actively be engaging. Don’t overdo the “sirs” and “madams,” in other words, don’t try to kiss butt to get attention. Instead, be authentic and polite without overdoing it, bringing a more positive view of who you are.

Be Cognitive – of what you say and what others think. Most often, mixers will offer alcoholic beverages that you may participate in to calm your nerves, but do not lose track of why you are really there. Are you attending the mixer because you are looking for social stimulus, or are you there to bring opportunities for yourself and others?

BE NATURAL – allow your personality to show. Let the people you engage know who you really are. You likely will find just like you, they got up this morning, put their pants on one leg at a time, had their coffee, and fed the dogs, just like you!

Some Tips from UC Davis

Introduce Yourself

There is a lot of flexibility in the introduction. It should include something unique about yourself, such as your study area, degree, internships, experience, research, projects, or military service. You can mention possible connections, such as individuals in the same department, similar backgrounds, and alumni.

Identify your goal/purpose.

It may help the person you are speaking to point you in the right direction for further assistance. Be succinct. If your goals aren’t clear, they won’t be able to assist you effectively.

Describe your relevant experience

Give 1-2 solid examples of your experience directly related to that organization or position. As with your introduction, you can discuss your major, degree, service, or anything else that makes you stand out. You can also briefly discuss research, awards, or presentations you’ve given. Don’t repeat anything you mentioned in your introduction.

Wrap it up

Pull everything together in a brief but interesting concluding sentence. This will reaffirm what you want and how they can help you.

Engage with a question

Be curious. People enjoy sharing their own interests. Ask questions, such as:

• What do you do?
• How did you get involved in this field?
• What do you like or not like about it?
• What advice would you give someone entering this field?

Follow up

While still in conversation, explore possible opportunities for continuing the conversation, for example:

• Perhaps, we could meet and discuss _____ opportunities in your organization?
• What is the process for applying for internships/jobs at your company?
• For following up, is there a particular person I should contact?
• Can I connect with you on LinkedIn?
• May I have your business card?
• Can I give/send you my resume or business card?

Practice, practice, practice

Put it on paper! Write a script or talking points, craft your pitch and practice. Use focused terminology that highlights your experience in an area, but make sure not to use industry jargon or acronyms that average people won’t understand. Practice until you can smoothly give your pitch.

Allow any relationships or conversations started at the networking event to grow naturally; do not force engagement.

If you have provided all the relevant details about yourself, i.e., experience, knowledge, location, and other relevant information regarding your availability, you are “on file” with the agency for consideration. Please don’t expect immediate results or an offer of direct or contract employment. If this happens, wonderful; if it does not, it may mean you do not fit any current opportunities.

However, if something changes that may affect your availability, update your situation formally to the company. As important, drop a friendly email periodically to check in with your point of contact and catch up with them semi-formally – without asking if they have work!

Good luck and happy networking – we look forward to meeting you!