How to become a confident networker with SportsGrad Speed Networking

Author

Reuben Williams
September 18, 2024

Let’s be real, networking sucks when you’re starting out.

Maybe you’re shy, introverted, and feel like you have nothing to offer anyone.

Don’t worry, it’s ok to be a beginner.

Networking is a skill that only gets better with practice, so to help build your confidence, we run Member Speed Networking Nights!

So you can get the reps in and grow your network in sport without:

  • Catching a train an hour into the city

  • Getting dressed up to act ‘professional’

  • Stressing about what you’re going to t talk about

  • Stressing about what to send a cold contact on LinkedIn

  • Waiting for weeks on end for that person to reply to your message

Yup, it can be such an effort just to meet a single human.

But not when you join Speed Networking.

In just 45 minutes you’ll:

  1. Be welcomed by your host and given prompts to chat about

  2. Put in small groups of 3-4 for 7 minutes to chat

  3. Rotate and meet 10+ people in one night

What you’ll leave with:

  1. More people in your network you can call on

  2. Perspectives and support from people who ‘get it’

  3. More confidence to do your own networking IRL

Ready to join the fun and attend the next Speed Networking night?

Here’s our 101 to have a good time:

5 steps to get the most out of a Speed Networking Night:

1. Turn your camera on 📸

Let’s face it, it’s always nicer talking to someone you can see. Prepare your surroundings so that people can chat to your face.

2. Prepare an introduction 😎

I know we said no prep… But before an event, take 5 minutes to write a short introduction that highlights who you are and what you’re up to.

This saves you from having nothing to say when people start asking you questions. If you like, practice your introduction so that you can deliver it confidently and clearly.

e.g. “Hi my name is Melissa and I’m currently studying Communications. I’m doing an internship at TLA Worldwide right now and in the future am hoping to land a job in PR at an AFL team”

This is so people know how to help you.

3. Listen intently 🎧

The art of always having something to say starts with listening.

During the event, actively listen to the other participants. Use this to ask questions and show interest in their work and experiences. Remember, networking is a two-way street, so make sure to also share information about yourself.

e.g “That’s so cool you’re doing an internship at TLA, what have been some of the projects you’ve worked on so far?” “Is there anything that’s surprised you about working in PR since stepping into this internship?”

4. Follow up and get a coffee ☕️

After the event, follow up with the people you met. Shoot them a message via the Community to say how great it was to be introduced to them, and let them know you want to stay in touch.

If you want to go one step further, ask for a coffee or Zoom call where you can have a longer 1:1 chat. This will help you build lasting relationships and expand your network. You never know where your peers will end up.

e.g. “Hey Melissa, great to meet you tonight! Loved learning a bit about what you’re doing at the moment, and even better to hear you’re also in Brisbane. Would you be interested in grabbing a coffee next week? It’d be great to learn more about your experience and how you’re finding getting a job in sport.”

5. Post on LinkedIn ✍️

A super easy way to ‘work smarter, not harder’ is by telling your LinkedIn network you attended.

Just the simple act of posting about the event signals “I made an effort to be here” and indicates to people you are the kind of person who’s invested in their career and is putting themselves out there to learn and meet people. People respect that.

Employers also love SportsGrad Members, so feel free to leverage that.

We will always share a group photo on the SportsGrad LinkedIn channels, so the easiest way for you to leverage this is to hit ‘Re-share’ or ‘Re-share with thoughts’ and simply add something like:

That’s it!

Follow these steps and before you know it you’ll meet heaps of cool people, develop great relationships, and open doors to exciting opportunities you never knew were possible.

Keen to get involved?