Why your attempts at networking might be failing

October 12, 11:42 AMEntry Level Careers ExaminerHeather Huhman

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When you attend a networking event, what do you bring with you? Business cards? Your full résumé? A copy of your portfolio? The one thing you really need but might be leaving at home is your 60-second story—who are you and what are you seeking?

I’ve written about networking plenty of times before, as well as crafting stories around your various accomplishments and skills. But what about your “you” story? If you can’t grab someone’s attention within a matter of seconds at a networking event, their mind has already wandered to the next person in the room.

First things first, do you know what you have to offer and what you’re seeking in a career? If you can’t answer those questions, you can’t possibly expect someone else to! Everyone has a story—how they got where they are today and where they’re looking to go next. You just need to do a little soul searching to find yours.

If you’re a nervous networker, you might want to write out your 60-second story and practice it in front of a mirror. But, be careful not to over-practice—you don’t want to sound rehearsed!

Most of all, be honest. You are trying to build two-way, mutually beneficial relationships with the people in the room. If you start off the relationship being dishonest, it won’t get very far. Plus, they won’t really be able to help you in your search if they don’t know the real you. (Beware of TMI, though. You don’t want to be too honest!)

So, while I definitely recommend bringing a set of business cards to your next networking event, leave everything else at home except your story. Be prepared to listen just as much, if not more so, to other people’s stories. Make a mental list of how you can help them in exchange for them helping you. I think you’ll find your networking experiences to be more fruitful moving forward!

For more career advice, visit my new blog at HeatherHuhman.com.