Experimenting at Networking Events

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I despise most networking events.

Of the countless networking opportunities I’ve been invited to, I oftentimes decline. Mostly because they are at the crack of dawn and require me to use a handful of alarm clocks to successfully wake up… Only to meet a bunch of self-serving business people.

But when I do take the plunge and attend networking events, it’s for one main reason:

Experimenting with Interactions

Where else can you go into a room filled with dozens of business people, all wanting something from you?

Whether it be to give you their business card or sell you something, most people’s intentions at networking events are egocentric. And this makes them perfect guinea pigs for testing business interactions, communication techniques and a multitude of other people skills.

Step 1: Determine the Variable

The variable is the one factor about yourself you would like to test and improve.

Is it how people respond to your profession? Is it your sales skills? Is it how you flip conversations in your favor? Is it your elevator pitch?

It can be anything.

Step 2: Maximize the Constants

In order for an experiment to yield statistically significant results, you have to identify as many unique components of yourself as possible. These must stay the same throughout the event.

This may come in the form of what you say, how you hold your drink, the way you smile, etc. Every aspect that isn’t being tested during the experiment must be painfully similar in each interaction.

Step 3: Start Networking

If you’ve been to a networking event before, you know the procedure. But keep in mind as you approach people, be sure to keep the way you introduce yourself constant. (Unless the intro is what you are testing, of course)

Step 4: Discover Your Test Subject’s Disparities

Not only do you have to track yourself, you must also take a mental note of the differences in people you talk to. Mainly, the three to concern yourself with are:

• Their personality (analytical extrovert, amiable introvert)
• Their experience (fresh newbie, experienced executive)
• Their outward characteristics (middle-aged male, young female)

These variables should be relatively easy to spot. But are essential to your test’s accuracy.

Step 4: Get to Testing Your Styles

Here comes the fun part. Now that you have a good grasp on how to carry yourself. As well as identifying the variables within your networking guinea pigs, you can now get to testing.

However – and this is important – you must test only two or three different styles. And test each style multiple times with a wide variety of people.

Step 5: What’s Working?

As you continually chat with others you will begin to see what styles resonate with certain people. And also see what doesn’t.

It’s important to start crafting your style only around what works, forgetting what doesn’t.

Step 6: Success

In short time, this strategy for networking events will help you become a master at social interactions. And ultimately, your abilities will constantly be enhanced through this near scientific approach to learning social skills.

What’s you’re thoughts? Have you tried this?

(photo: PerformImpact)