Of networking over chocolate

Despite the fact that having to put myself ‘out there’ scares me, I’ve attended quite a few networking events. I know that as daunting as it might be to try to initiate conversations with a roomful of strangers, I ultimately make connections with admirable people who’ve been wonderful mentors through the years. Here are some of the key tips I’ve learned over the years which I remember for each networking event:

• Set reasonable expectations. Reflect on why you’d like to attend in the first place. What are you trying to achieve and get out of it? What’s your goal? Is it to find a job or recruit a mentor or is it to find out about their experiences and decide whether you’d want to be a part of that industry or field? If you’re anything like me, I’d be nervous right before the event. I’d want to lessen the nerves and not add any unnecessary pressure on myself by just focusing on simple goals.
• Be yourself. This event is a starting point of what could be a significant professional relationship. Be genuine and true. You wouldn’t want to create more work for yourself by having to keep up appearances.
• Listen and engage. This is how you’ll be able to work out who you’d like to continue connecting with after the event. Being truly engaged in the conversations you are having will also help other people feel like they can speak with you genuinely.
• Introduce yourself to the organizer. This person might be able to introduce you to more people or get in touch with you when similar events in your field have been organised. 
• Be respectful. It’s helpful for me to envision myself in the company of friends - I wouldn’t want to be rude and interrupt conversations other people are having. Be confident in respectfully joining in.

This recent networking event I attended was like no other I’ve been to. First, all attendees were mothers from uni. Second, instead of convening at a dark bar we all met at a warmly lit chocolate school. Third, we were all able to eat the chocolate we made! It was a truly enjoyable event that allowed me to connect with other mums in the University of Adelaide. We talked about our degrees, our career paths, but also about the highs and lows of motherhood. 

PS: The chocolate penguins we coloured and created were yummy!