4 Ways to Become the Most Interesting Person at a Networking Event

4 Ways to Become the Most Interesting Person at a Networking Event No one is born a natural networker. But when you think about someone youve met networking who impressed you, Id challenge you to consider what you talked about.The best networkers view connecting as part-and-parcel to life not just something they do when they need a job, or a favor. To up your game as a networker, you may need to change your game entirely.Here are some traits the fruchtwein interesting people at a networking event always have in common. Taking them on is the perfect blueprint to becoming a better networker yourself1. They Dont Start a Conversation With What Do You Do?Along with Have a nice day and How can I help you?, What do you do? is one of those autopilot conversational phrases that make real connection much less possible. The fruchtwein interesting networkers understand that meet and greets are a storytellers sandbox. When asked about her job, a regular networker would say, I work in advertising. Meanwhile,a storyteller might say, I convince people to buy things they dont really need or I create content that makes you forget you wanted to get up for ice cream.Big social events are made up of multiple introductions back to back. Someone who injects surpriseis someone who adds a dash of conversational salt to a meat and potato evening. Be that person.2. Theyre Givers, not TakersTheres nothing more boring than someone who comes to a networking event with a how can you help me?mindset. behauptung networkers are amateurs because theyre transactionalrather than relational. The most interesting networkers approach social interactions with a gamification mentality. Instead of getting a rush when they make a connection for themselves, they get a burst of endorphins when they make a match for someone else. In conversation, theyre constantly connecting dots, and connecting people always conscious of how to join like-minded individuals. True connectors go beyond industry and are rarely motivated byimminent need. Instead, they look to introduce people because they see the potential for great conversation, joint ideation, or parallel curiosities. And it goes without saying that because they connect others to intriguing individuals rather than those seeking jobs, they create a virtuous cycle. People send stimulating connections in return.3. They Feed the BeastLifes most interesting people are the ones who are genuinely curious about the world. Life is busy, but whether its a podcast squeezed in during a walk to a meetingor a book sitting on the nightstand, interesting people intentionally feedtheir minds so they have things to add to a conversation. Regardless of whether youre in the same industry or similar roles, these are people youll remember, because they inject insights into small talk.4. They Listen More Than They TalkNetworking events are the ultimate training ground for learning to stay in the moment. Surrounded by a room full of people talking and laughing, these events bring outthe FOMOin all of us. Its common to see networkers scanning the room over a wine glass rim as they nod vaguely at the person in front of themcompletely missing potential links because theyre only half listening. If the most interesting conversations are the ones that dip below the surface, the most interesting people are the ones who make others feel worthy of their full attention.Staying completely present while listening to someone else talk is surprisingly difficult, but it gets easier with practice. Sharpen your chops by practicing on someone you know. When you get home, ask a roommate or partner about their day, and focus completely as they answer.Now That Youre The Most Interesting Person at the Event, How Can You Keep the Connection Going?New relationships have a very short shelf-life, so dont forget to follow-up within a week of your initial meeting. A request to connect on LinkedIn makes for an easy way to remain in contact, but it wont do much for bu ilding a lasting relationship.Instead, think about what you talked about and what you remember. A funny story? A book recommendation? Whether its showing how you acted on a piece of sage advice, or sharing an article about a topic you bonded over, this is your option to show you took this new connection to heart.Do something intentional. Email them to share something that intrigues you. Introduce themto someone at the next event who might excite their curiosity. Reach out with a quote that reminds you of something they said. Voila You just won the networking game... for now.