How to make the most out of Networking

We’ve rounded up our top tips to get the most out of every Networking conversation — from what to do when you receive your first connection to what to talk about and how to stay connected after you’ve met.

Be responsive Don’t wait for your match to coordinate. Reply with a few suggested times to get the conversation started.	Be prepared Do a bit of research on your match by looking them up on LinkedIn or a company server before you meet. This way you’ll have a greater sense of any topics or questions you’d like to explore.
Introduce yourself Let your match know more about who you are, what you’ve been working on, what your interests are, and how long you’ve been with the organization to get started.	Ask questions Every networking conversation will come with suggested conversation starters to make conversations easier. Review the conversation starters so you’re ready to get the most out of your discussion.
Be open Meeting someone new can be nerve-wracking. But it doesn’t have to be. Authenticity and openness can lead to a stronger, more meaningful conversation.	Stay focused It can be tempting to check back on work during your chat. Turn off notifications so you’re not distracted. If you are joining virtually, keep your video on to stay engaged.
Stay focused It can be tempting to check back on work during your chat. Turn off notifications so you’re not distracted. If you are joining virtually, keep your video on to stay engaged.	Share feedback After every networking conversation, you’ll be asked how it went. Share your feedback so we can learn a little more about how your conversation went. Take it one step further by expressing your gratitude by paying your match a compliment.