Swag bags aside, Create & Cultivate is a breeding ground for new connections. 

So if you're leaving empty-handed, you're doing something wrong. You should be exchanging info and making plans for 2018. 

If you're worried about your networking skills and how to do just that, we've got you covered. 

Practice makes perfect.

If you’re feeling antsy thinking about what you should say to start a conversation with someone, practice with your friends and see how you can nail down the starting a conversation with a stranger. From the approach, to how you introduce yourself, to what you talk about, make sure you can simulate the an entire conversation with a stranger via your friend. Come in ready with a game plan and see that networking anxiety go away.

Engage with the crowd (or the attendee next to you), but don’t be an attention seeker.

It’s easy to fall into the hole of talking about yourself and letting people know about all the things you do in a networking setting. But take a look back and think about the last person who wouldn’t stop rambling about themselves.

Exactly. Don’t be that person.

This is why it’s important to nail down your elevator pitch and keep it short, clear, and concise. Give people the Cliffs notes to your story, and leave them wanting more so they are more inclined to email, call, or text you and get to know you more. Rule of thumb: always keep them wanting to know more.

"Always keep people you network with wanting to know more."

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However, make sure you’re treating the crowd with the same level of interest as you would want them to give you. Be genuinely engaged in knowing who they are, their career, and their story, and see how you can start building a strong connection.

Don’t give out your cards, trade them.

Of course, we should always come handy with a stellar set of business cards that we're ready to hand out. It’s an obvious tip, but one we have to remind you of. Make sure that your business card isn't generic and can show off your creativity and brand effortlessly.

Also, a rule of thumb to have when you’re networking is to make sure that you’re sure you get as many business cards as you hand out. You don’t want to leave empty handed.

"Make sure that you’re sure you get as many business cards as you hand out when networking."

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Follow-up.

After you’ve finished meeting a new person and have hopefully gotten their contact information, make sure that you’ve written some notes and remember one key point in your conversation (doesn’t have to be business related, it can be something about your mutual love for Honey Nut Cheerios).

Wait a day or two to follow up, and use that key point as a conversation starter for the next time you reach out to them. Not only is this a good way to remind them that you met, but it will let them know that you were genuinely engaged in what they had to say and who they were.

And if you happen to meet someone at our happy hour on Friday, feel free to email or text them that same night so you can meet on site at Create & Cultivate LA the next day! #BuildYourCCSquad

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