Chamber News: Developing your networking skills with Mills & Reeve

Networking is an extremely valuable tool for businesses but it can be intimidating to many. The thought of introducing yourself and talking to people you have never met before is enough to make anyone feel nervous. Feeling like this is normal. Not everyone will be good at networking the first time, it takes time to gain confidence and for you to feel comfortable in that environment. On the 31^st January, we were joined by Mills & Reeve for a networking masterclass at their Norwich Office. Leanne Loome, Marketing Events Manager and Matt Skipper, Head of New Business at Mills & Reeve presented some top tips on how to develop and improve your networking skills. Networking internally is a really good way to not only practice your networking skills but to also grow your internal network and get to know the people around you and what they are responsible for. Leanne and Matt outlined four things to think about before you go networking. Attendees were asked to discuss the four rules in groups and come up with suggestions for each. Do your research

• Where is the event? How far away is it from your office?
• Who is going (this is only possible if the delegate list is visible)?
• Who is the event aimed for? Are you going for a personal gain or to build professional connections?

First Impressions Practice your elevator pitch. Your elevator pitch is a quick description of who you are, where you work and why you are attending the event. You should always end your elevator pitch on an open question, for example, ask them why they are at the event. Walking into the room

• ‘Hunt in packs’ if you are in a group of two ask others to join you and form a group, do not leave someone on their own at a networking event.

Follow up

• Always follow up after a virtual event, connect with them on LinkedIn and send them a message e.g. nice to meet you today.

The masterclass concluded with the key to networking, be yourself and enjoy it. Thank you to Leanne Loome and Matt Skipper for joining us and creating an activity lead masterclass that provided some top tips to make us feel more comfortable for future networking events.