Speed Networking: “Fake It ‘Til You Make It”

January 8, 2015: Thursday Evening

After another heavy day of site visits and discussion, we had a little under an hour to prep for the networking dinner when we arrived at the DC Office. I’d spent the darker parts of the morning planning proper attire for all the visits of today, so I confidently placed my jacket on the chair and settled in. Roxanne and Lauren had organized us by colored stars and matching tables in order to keep education and politics separate but equal. Sarah and I broke that barrier and switched over to the politics side.

While we waited for catering to set up dinner, Adam took the stand to rally us like a football coach before the Super Bowl. He covered connection etiquette, how to anticipate the absence of business cards, what to say to break the ice, and how to initiate a follow-up. Essentially, how not to come across as needy or creepy. Yet, it wasn’t until he compared the experience to dating that it truly clicked for me. Dating I can do, networking not so much.

Similar to dating, Adam encouraged us to ask lots of questions about the person of interest to get to know them. Not to directly ask them for what you want (a job in networking, **insert what you would want** in dating), because people want to feel like more than a means to an end. You want to treat networking connections with respect and individuality regardless of where they work or who they might know. Again, like dating, Adam advised us against stampeding an alum simultaneously. You have to either, 1) choose the right moment to make your move, or 2) charm them within a group. The latter is more difficult if you tend to lean towards the introvert side of the scale like myself. However, I will give you one of the most helpful tips I’ve acquired throughout my lifetime:

“Fake it, ‘Til You Make It!”

And you may take this in the most literal sense. If you’re not the outgoing, networking champion, like some of my fellow peers were in the program, observe what the greats do and adopt their styles of communication. If you don’t feel like winning over a crowd, let your keen observation skills take over until a window of opportunity is cracked. For example (Adam’s connection etiquette sheet will support this), food spots and bars are good places to meet people. If you’re under 21, cafes are equally as effective, if not more so, since they lack the volume of bars. So, when you’re at a similar networking dinner, the best place to introduce yourself would be at the table before your rivals return or when you are in line for food. If you’re nervous, think of something funny to create a natural smile. Also, eye contact.

THIS:  NOT THIS: 

Next, keep your voice level, take breaths in between sentences, and absorb the silence if you run out of things to say. It’s better to be silent than to blurt out gibberish. If you’re drawing a complete blank and can’t remember your elevator pitch, go back to asking them questions as if they’re the most interesting person in the world. Mentally retain said information for it will benefit you later on. If you two click, exchange information and schedule another rendezvous. See, just like dating.

True to their reputation, W&M catered to our vegetarians and carnivores with customized pasta and side salads. The dessert table runneth over like muffin tops and winter insulation and coated my soul. The actual practice of speed networking was interesting to say the least: 40% alum introductions/background, 40% student name and major, 20% questions. It seemed like the minute conversation got going we switched and the reset button was hit. However, name tags, personal business cards, engraved card holder, W&M pen, and a resume portfolio were graciously provided. All in all, a tip of the hat to our wonderful program coordinators for setting up yet another class event. Similar to the W&M parking pass which gives you the right to park but doesn’t guarantee a spot, they gave us the opportunity to network and it was up to us to find a job.

~ Lynelle Haugabrook