How to network efficiently offline?

As we can see normality on the horizon, we should prepare ourselves to get back to our pre-pandemic daily routines. One of the things that we should definitely learn again is how to network during offline events. Why is it so important? The pandemic made us used to networking online on LinkedIn, Zoom or via e-mail. This makes going back to face to face conversations a bit uncomfortable at the beginning. It is not to say that one way is better than the other. Both offline and online networking have some advantageous and disadvantages of course. However, it is important to emphasise the differences so that going back to offline networking may feel less peculiar.

It’s not only what you say but also how you say it. When you type something in a chat box, it might be easier to hide your anxiety and stress. That is why some people may find it difficult to get out of their comfort zones in the post-pandemic world. We should again make ourselves aware of our posture, gestures and all the other aspects of the body language. According to Albert Mehrabian’s 7-38-55 Rule, 7% of meaning is conveyed by our words, 38% by the tone of voice and 55% percent through body language. When we type online, our communication follows the rule of “100-0-0”. Therefore, it would be useful to focus not only on what we will say but also how we are going to say it.

Try to be efficient. Try to meet as many people as you can of course while avoiding being intrusive. Sometimes you may meet people who may seem to be very useful contacts for you in the future and you should definitely spend more time with them. However, there is nothing wrong about taking their contact details and arranging a meeting later so that you could continue your networking journey during the event. Remember to be polite when you do that but people in the business world will understand the scarcity of time and probably at some point they would like to proceed to meet other people as well.

So now, you have finished the event and you can go home with a smile on your face and a pile of business cards in your pockets. Is that it? Well, not yet. The last thing left to do is to follow up. It is a good practise which is often underappreciated by many. Even a short line will make it easier for a person to contact you in the future. Although you might not contact each other for a very long time, they might get back to you at an unexpected moment and offer you a life changing opportunity. Will it happen with all people you met? Well, probably not but it still possible that one day you will this kind of person. That is the beauty of networking. Although it is cumbersome at the beginning, if you do it efficiently, it is worth it at the end.

Where should you start your networking adventure? If you are interested in the UK-China business opportunities, join OKE Club. Each month we organise both offline and online events where you could meet business partners which will help you on your entrepreneurial journey.