While they can make for a fun evening after a long day atthe office, networking events provide your business with the chance to create a platform for team building and other activities. It is more than making an entrance and working the room, but networking takes effort, and in many cases, preparation. Ultimately, networking is an art that when finessed can make a strategic business move appear effortless.

In the coworking space, networking takes on many different faces. Whether it means cooling out by the workstations or attending community events, networking is the foundation of much of the other activities that really create the traction of business growth. A typical coworking space – Servcorp, for example – will host events for the coworking space that can be attended by professionals across a diverse array of industries, each one being a potential bridge to business. For this reason, networking with a strategy is important.

Continue reading for some great networking tips that will help you build new relationships and create new opportunities going forward with ease.

1. Don’t Make An Entrance

Avoid going arriving late to an event. Sometimes the best conversations happen when there are fewer people or before cliques form. Get to the event early to meet and greet the people you need to without having to vie for their attention.

2. Go With A Plan

Not that you want to be the party downer, but going into a networking event with a plan of action is productive networking. If you think that you might want to bump shoulders with people you have always wanted to connect with, make it a point to have conversations with them, even at the risk of appearing pushy. In fact, a good ploy to use when networking is to go into the event with a plan to make contact with at least a few other people who can make things happen for you. While many view networking events as a social gathering, these events are also a part of the work platform, and if maximised, professionals can get a lot out of a networking opportunity.

3.But Don’t Pitch

The difference between being pushy and conversational is the fine line that is traversed when the conversation becomes a pitch. Networking is the best time to feel other professionals out about their work or even their approach to work. While the purpose is to promote your business, subtly in conversation is sometimes more appreciated than an overt appeal. When you leave the conversation should linger pleasantly on the minds of those you spoke with as opposed to grating on their nerves.

4. Don’t Be Afraid To Share

Part of getting your name out there is learning about people in the room, but at the same time, sharing a bit of yourself with others. Part of what makes networking meetings special is that small fact they remember about you some days after meeting you. Whether you talk about your personal or professional life, these personal facts are the things that make us memorable to others.

5. Definitely Do Your Research

Part of being a professional is knowing a little bit about the people who are going to be at the function. While some networking events are larger than others making it impossible to learn about everyone, knowing about the event organisers and other significant people who participate is a good thing. Even better, if you have a heads up as to who will attend, consider researching their product or service. If you have the chance to talk to them, you already have their backstory, which can make it easier for you to ask questions from an informed perspective.

6. Making Networking Work For Business

Networking, especially in a fun, energetic environment, can be enjoyable, but it can also help you create strides in terms of establishing your business. From a networking event, you can make long-time friends and establish business relationships. More importantly, you can build the bridges that will give your business a platform.