Take the Work Out of Networking

We all know how important networking is in this industry. "It's all about who you know" is engrained in our heads from the time we even think about becoming an event planner! A company known as FindSpark is dedicated to creating connections between employees and employers, as well as different companies. 

I recently came across an article about a fellow event planner named Bethany, who recently attended a FindSpark speed networking event. She found the event to be very resourceful and helpful, and had five take-home messages to make networking easier for aspiring event planners.  Here they are!

• Follow the Hashtag. Having a hashtag makes it much easier for people to track your name on social media. One simple click that can lead viewers to a wide array of your work gives you a much stronger web presence, and helps you stand out.
• Know Your Elevator Pitch. At these kinds of events, you only have a few short minutes to sell yourself to employers. Establish an impactful and charming elevator pitch in order to lure those employers in, and know it like the back of your hand!
• Don't Network. Connect. Don't make networking a chore. Instead of jabbering to employers like it's your obligation, connect with them. Talk to them, interact with them, and remember they're people just like you and I!
• Follow-Up. These people are busier than you might think, and they most likely won't remember you until you make them. When contacting employers, try to think of a unique tidbit from your conversation that will spark their memory and make your face fresh in their mind.
• Smile. Show off those pearly whites! A smile is much more inviting and engaging then a stone-cold expression. It can also make you feel more confident and secure, giving you that extra boost you might need!