Being able to network and build a solid contact base is beneficial for many reasons. It can help unearth prospective new clients, develop new business relationships, drive career progression around new jobs or promotions.

It can even help when looking to explore new fields, take a career break or spend time away from work with family or care. People from all walks of life who have been there or are going through similar situations can provide professional and personal support and advice.

That’s why networking is so important and valuable. It allows us to share our stories, our skills, our resources, and our impact. It allows us to learn from each other, to collaborate with each other, and to empower each other. It also presents invaluable business opportunities.

Karen Goodwin is Chief Operating Officer at WTFN Entertainment. She says the company has “found many collaborators and commercial opportunities” from the Victorian and Melbourne Chamber’s networking events.

Below, she gives her tips on networking at these events and beyond.

1. Get informed 

It starts with being aware of what networking opportunities the Victorian Chamber (or any other organisation) has by subscribing and reading emails and other bulletins/website and keeping up to speed with their regular events.

2. Don’t go in cold

Whether it’s a conference, Victorian Chamber event or otherwise, it’s the same principle: never just walk up to an event ‘cold’. 

Do as much research as you can about who’s attending and who’s presenting. Are there people you’d like to meet? Are there people you would like an introduction to? If you don’t know them personally, can you find your own way or would you benefit from an introduction?

Always try and make sure you know who’s going to the greatest extent possible so you can see if there are particularly aligned to your business or people you’d like to speak to, to connect with and obtain introductions to.

3. Don't hesitate to ask for assistance

Even if you don’t know who’s going, or would like assistance connecting with someone, you can contact your relationship manager (or other relevant organisers).

These people are terrific. They are so friendly and approachable and they’re there to help. That’s one of their many functions – to help connect you with other people within the Chamber.
Relationship managers are invaluable to help you with that.

4. Follow up 

Consider if there any particular people you’d welcome the opportunity to connect with and establish an ongoing rapport. Don’t just exchange email addresses and connect on LinkedIn, but actually make time for a coffee or approach them regarding a particular matter. 

5. Seek fresh perspectives

You can network for mutual projects, collaborations or ideas, but also to learn about different perspectives or sectors.

I have drawn extensively over the years from Melbourne Chamber members for fresh ideas on legal, operational, HR and risk management.

The benefit of talking to others in totally different sectors has been invaluable because they bring a very fresh perspective and best practice or share what didn’t work and what they’re doing now.

6. Just go for it

It can be hard because most of most of us are not in sales or marketing, which usually attracts the personality type most adept to these situations. They’re used to getting out there and meeting new people cold and driving new contacts. 

But most people in business are not in sales. They’re in all sorts of other fields and you’d be surprised that they might be equally as nervous as you.

At the end of the day, you’ve just got to go for it and understand that most people are approachable. I’ve personally found people are very open and receptive because everyone is here for the same reason.

Again, if you can find someone to help you with that introduction, it makes it just that little less confronting and less dark and cold. If you’ve got someone who’s connected in some way, that will make it softer and give you a better opportunity.