We all know that our world changed in March of 2020. Everything we thought of as “normal” was upended! Business, however, still had to march on – we just learned to do it in a new way. Networking was also affected in dramatic ways. We couldn’t all just show up, shake some hands and pass some business cards around the room. With the onset of more technology as the only way to network we all stepped up and did it, thinking one day we’ll return to normal. We all used to say, “I can’t wait to get back to normal” well my friends I think that ship sailed. Are we even sure what normal is?

In looking to trends in Networking for 2023 there are a couple of interesting things to see first of all, there is a return to networking in person. After almost two years of reshaping how we networked in a pandemic world – namely making connections over virtual coffees via Zoom––getting back to making connections face-to-face might seem exciting and a little intimidating. 

During Covid, never was the importance of connection so amplified, yet research revealed our professional and personal networks shrank by close to 16% during the pandemic.

But according to a study by MarTech’s Event Participation Index, we are pivoting once again, readying the return of in-person networking over the next 12 months, with twice as many respondents saying they were “extremely likely” to attend in-person events in the first half of 2023.

Networking is one of the most effective tools for professional development. It’s an ideal way to connect with potential customers, associates and partners, helping you build core relationships with people and other businesses in your industry. All the while, this means you’re taking key steps in advancing your career. The numbers speak for themselves with 80% of professionals agreeing career success can be elevated through professional networking.

Before you overthink it, consider a few simple ways you can prepare to ease your entry back into in-person networking events.

Come prepared: Getting to know everything you can about an event and at least some of its attendees beforehand can help ease uncertainties. Have the organizers established a theme? Are you familiar with anyone on the guest list? Time spent on this small, yet crucial pre-event planning can make all the difference to successful networking.

Refresh your elevator pitch: Time to start fine-tuning your elevator pitch. It should be bite-sized, ideally under a minute, and a brief overview of what makes you unique. A warm smile and firm handshake go a long way, especially when it comes to easing yourself into it. 

Be focused: Having a clear purpose for attending the event will help. Are you going to generate business, grow brand recognition, or stay current on your field’s latest developments? If you’re clear about why you’re there, you can jump at relevant opportunities, ensuring you make the most out of your networking time.

It’s also important to be aware that because the networking world changed, so did some of the tools we used to rely on like a simple business card. While those are still extremely useful, don’t discount a digital business card or utilizing Social Media applications! Networking for the future is continuing to evolve but we at PWN still value the importance and significance of In-Person! 

Mark your calendars now for our Speed Networking Event on August 10 at North Maple (more details to be announced).