The Art of Networking: Building Meaningful Connections
From Kindergarten to Career: Sarah’s Networking Journey
In a recent chat with Propper Academy Connects, Sarah B. Cruz shared invaluable networking insights, especially within sterile processing. Networking often feels daunting, a buzzword that conjures images of awkward small talk and forced smiles. As Sarah beautifully expressed, networking is fundamentally about communication—a meaningful exchange of information designed to create and nurture relationships.
Sarah’s journey into networking began early—so early, in fact, that she jokes about getting notes sent home from kindergarten for talking too much in class. Over the years, she has refined her ability to communicate effectively, viewing networking not just as a means to an end but as a lifelong skill that has brought her immense joy and professional growth.
As Sarah defines it, networking is simply about finding common ground and building relationships, not necessarily agreeing on everything, but having a shared interest to explore. This broader, less intimidating perspective makes networking accessible to newbies and seasoned professionals and yes, introverts, you can do it too. It’s not about having a perfect conversation every time, but about showing up authentically, being genuinely interested in others, and being willing to help.
Melt the Ice and Building Meaningful Connections at Conferences
Networking at conferences can feel daunting, especially when starting conversations with new people. But building meaningful connections is a necessary part of professional growth. These tips will help you melt the ice and make casual conversation more fluid, building valuable relationships.
1. Mastering the Art of Small Talk
Starting with small talk is a natural way to ease into conversations. Commenting on the event, such as the quality of a presentation or the impressive turnout, can be a great conversation starter. Mentioning the venue or asking if they’ve attended before are easy ways to get the ball rolling.
2. Transitioning from Small Talk to Meaningful Conversations
Once you’ve started melting the ice, the next step is transitioning to more substantial topics. Here are some strategies to help you move from small talk to meaningful discussions:
Ask Open-Ended Questions: Instead of asking yes-or-no questions, ask questions requiring a more detailed response. For example, instead of saying, “Did your company send you to this conference?” you could ask, “What interested you in attending this conference?” The more exploratory questions invite the person to share more about their interests and insights.
Find Common Ground: When you’re in the same industry, you already have a shared foundation to build on. Use this as a springboard for deeper conversation. When talking about a challenge or an interest that has significantly impacted their work, whether positively or negatively, ask them to elaborate on it or explain their approach. People are often eager to discuss their experiences and insights.
Share Your Own Experiences: Sometimes, sharing a little bit about yourself can help the other person feel more comfortable opening up. You might say, “I’ve been really interested in the latest developments in sterilization technology because we’ve been having some challenges in our department with XYZ. Have you encountered anything similar?” By sharing your own experiences, you’re contributing to the conversation and providing an opportunity for the other person to connect with you on a deeper level.
Follow Up on Details: If someone mentions something interesting in passing, ask them to elaborate. For example, if they mention working on a big project, you could say, “You mentioned a big project you’re working on—I’d love to hear more about it. What’s been the most challenging or rewarding part?” Showing genuine interest in the details of what they’re doing can help move the conversation beyond small talk.
Be a Good Listener: Often, we get so caught up in readying our next response that we don’t fully listen to the other person. To truly connect and enhance your leadership skills, practice active listening: focus on the speaker and respond thoughtfully. This not only demonstrates that you value their input but also helps build a stronger connection.
Explore Professional Goals: Inquiring about someone’s professional goals can lead to more profound conversations. For example, inquire about their future plans and opportunities. This can open the door to discussions about career aspirations, personal growth, and beyond.
Transition Naturally: Sometimes, you can start with a simple topic and naturally transition into something deeper. For instance, transition the conversation to what they plan to achieve by attending the conference or their career goals.
3. Fostering Genuine Connections
When transitioning to deeper discussions, authenticity is key. Be genuinely curious about the person you’re talking to, and don’t be afraid to show your own passion and interests. Remember, your active listening is essential for building strong relationships.
4. Following Up
Don’t forget the power of following up after the conference. A thank-you email or LinkedIn message can strengthen your connection.
The Payoff of Effective Networking
Sarah’s personal story is evidence to the power of meaningful networking. By stepping outside her comfort zone, she expanded her network and found unexpected career opportunities. Her experience demonstrates that effective networking goes beyond simply collecting business cards or LinkedIn connections; it’s about cultivating genuine relationships founded on shared interests and mutual respect. To build these connections, ask yourself: Can you see yourself collaborating with this person? Will you feel comfortable with this company, and does your future with them offer more than just financial gain?
These strategies will help conference participants and other professional events move beyond small talk and build stronger, more meaningful connections. Do you have any other tips or experiences to share about networking at conferences?