Top 12 benefits of networking: Why networking is important
Professional networking can assist your career development by providing access to job opportunities, career advice, and resources. Building a ...
networking tips
You can enhance your networking skills by practising small talk, attending networking events, engaging with professionals on social media platforms, and seeking advice from experienced networkers. Also, consider following <anchor>networking tips</anchor> and resources to help build strong connections and maintain long-lasting relationships.
10 networking tips that will work for anyone | Michael Page
10 networking tips that will work for anyone \| Michael Page

[Skip to main navigation](#content)

[Mobile Menu](javascript:void(0);)

[![Michael Page - Jobs and recruitment agency in Australia, link to home page](/themes/custom/mp_theme/logo.png)](/)

English

Accessibility Tools

[Create job alert](/job_alert-anon?thunderhead-alert=1)

Job Search

[Saved jobs, 0 currently saved jobs 0 Saved jobs](/mypage/saved-jobs)

[Sign In](https://www.michaelpage.com.au/mypage)

Job Search

[Saved jobs, 0 currently saved jobs 0 Saved jobs](/mypage/saved-jobs)

[Sign In](https://www.michaelpage.com.au/mypage)

#### NG Main Navigation

- [Job Seekers](javascript:void(0);)





### Job Seekers





![Job seeker](/sites/michaelpage.com.au/files/2023-04/main-nav-job-seekers-au.jpg)



Start your job search





Browse our jobs and apply for your next role.





[Find jobs](/job-search)









- [Find a Job](/job-search "")



- Job Opportunities



- [Technology Jobs](/job-search/technology-candidate "")
- [Work from Home or Hybrid Jobs](/jobs/work-from-home "")
- [Global Opportunities](/global-opportunities/about "")
- [View all jobs](/job-search "")

- Resources



- [Salary Guide](/salary-guide "")
- [Salary Comparison Tool](/salary-comparison-tool "")
- [Job Match](/job-match "")
- [Resume Templates & More](/search/blogs?search=templates "")
- [Create an Account](/mypage "")
- [Submit your CV](/submit-your-cv "")

- [Contract or Temp Jobs](/jobs?contract=temp)



- View Contracting Jobs



- [Tech Contracting Jobs](/jobs/information-technology?contract=temp "")
- [Financial Services Contracting Jobs](/jobs/accounting-finance?contract=temp "")
- [View all contracting jobs](/jobs?contract=temp)

- Contracting Resources



- [FAQs for Contractors](/contracting/contractors/faqs-future-candidates "")
- [5 clear signs a contracting career is for you](/advice/career-advice/work-life-balance/5-clear-signs-contracting-career-you "")
- [4 ways to find the best recruiter for your contracting career](/advice/career-advice/work-life-balance/4-ways-find-best-recruiter-your-contracting-career "")
- [What are the benefits of contract work?](/advice/career-advice/changing-jobs/5-reasons-consider-contracting "")
- [Timesheet Portal](https://pagetimesheets.com.au/pagetimesheets/login "")

- [Career Advice](/advice/career-advice "")



- Career Tips



- [Changing Jobs](/advice/career-advice/changing-jobs "")
- [Career Progression](/advice/career-advice/career-progression "")
- [Salary Negotiation](/advice/career-advice/salary-negotiation "")
- [Tech Job Descriptions](/advice/professions/technology "")
- [Explore all categories](/advice/career-advice "")

- Most Popular Articles



- [How to decline a job offer gracefully](/advice/career-advice/career-progression/how-to-reject-a-job-offer "")
- [Interview confirmation email template](/advice/career-advice/interview/interview-confirmation-email-template "")
- [Free salary negotiation email template](/advice/career-advice/salary-negotiation/free-salary-negotiation-email-template "")
- [Top 10 highest paying jobs in Australia](/advice/market-insights/industry-reports/top-10-highest-paying-jobs-australia-2023 "")
- [Read latest articles](/advice "")

- [Employers](javascript:void(0);)





### Employers





![Employers](/sites/michaelpage.com.au/files/2023-04/main-nav-employers.jpg)



Ready to recruit





The right candidate is just a few clicks away.





[Request a call back](/request-call-back)









- [Looking to Hire?](/recruitment-expertise)



- Looking for Talent in



- [Accounting & Finance](/recruitment-expertise/accounting-finance "")
- [Engineering & Manufacturing](/recruitment-expertise/engineering-manufacturing "")
- [Human Resources](/recruitment-expertise/human-resources "")
- [Technology](/recruitment-expertise/technology "")
- [Public Sector](/recruitment-expertise/public-sector "")
- [Our areas of expertise](/recruitment-expertise)

- Our Competitive Advantages



- [Executive Search](/recruitment-expertise/executive-search "")
- [Recruitment Outsourcing](https://www.pageoutsourcing.com/contact/australia-en "")
- [DE&I Hiring](/diversity-inclusion "")
- [Job advertising: ReachTalent](/reachtalent "")
- [Google Reviews](/contact#reviews "")

- [Contracting](/recruitment-expertise/employing-a-contractor "")



- Our Expertise in Contracting



- [Employing a Contractor](/recruitment-expertise/employing-a-contractor "")

- Contracting Resources



- [The benefits of hiring contract workers](/advice/management-advice/hiring/benefits-hiring-contract-workers-0 "")
- [Is contracting right for your business?](/advice/management-advice/hiring/checklist-contracting-right-your-business "")
- [How to get the most out of your temp](/advice/management-advice/staff-development/how-get-most-out-your-temp "")
- [Contracting FAQs for employers](/advice/management-advice/hiring/contracting-faqs-employers "")
- [Timesheet Portal](https://pagetimesheets.com.au/pagetimesheets/login "")

- [Reports and Resources](/advice/market-insights "")



- Page Insights



- [Salary Guide](/salary-guide "")
- [Salary Benchmark Tool](/salary-benchmark-tool "")
- [Talent Trends](/talent-trends)
- [Market Insights](/advice/market-insights "")

- Management Advice



- [Leadership](/advice/management-advice/leadership "")
- [Hiring](/advice/management-advice/hiring "")
- [Engagement and Retention](/advice/management-advice/engagement-and-retention "")
- [Explore all categories](/advice/management-advice "")

- [About](javascript:void(0);)





### About





![Employees](/sites/michaelpage.com.au/files/2023-04/main-nav-aboout.jpg)



Start your career with us





PageGroup changes lives for people through creating opportunity to reach potential.





[Apply now](/recruitment-jobs/apply)









- [About Michael Page](/about-us "")



- Our Success



- [Media Releases](/about-us/media-releases "")

- Our Commitment



- [DE&I Hiring](/diversity-inclusion "")
- [Our Partnerships](/our-partnerships "")

- Our Brands



- [About PageGroup](/about-us "")
- [Page Executive](https://www.pageexecutive.com/ "")
- [Page Outsourcing](https://www.pageoutsourcing.com/contact/australia-en "")

- [Careers with PageGroup](/recruitment-jobs "")



- Join PageGroup



- [Why choose us?](/recruitment-jobs/why-choose-us)
- [Your role here](/recruitment-jobs/your-role-here)
- [Graduate opportunities](/recruitment-jobs/why-choose-us/graduate-jobs "")
- [Use your skills](/recruitment-jobs/use-your-skills)
- [FAQs](/recruitment-jobs/faqs)
- [Apply now](/recruitment-jobs/apply)

- [Contact](javascript:void(0);)





### Contact





![Contact us](/sites/michaelpage.com.au/files/2023-04/main-nav-contact.jpg)



Contact us today





If you have any questions, we’re here to help.





[Contact us](/contact)









- [Contact us](/contact "")



- Get in Touch



- [Our offices](/contact "")
- [Looking to hire?](/request-call-back "")
- [Feedback](/submit-feedback "")
- [Timesheet Portal](https://pagetimesheets.com.au/pagetimesheets/login "")

- Find Our Offices



- [Sydney - CBD](/contact-us-sydney-cbd "")
- [Melbourne - CBD](/contact-us-melbourne-cbd "")
- [Brisbane](/contact-us-brisbane "")
- [Perth](/contact-us-perth "")
- [View all offices](/contact "")

- [Useful Information](javascript:void(0);)





### Useful Information







- Policies



- [Cookie Policy](/cookie-policy "")
- [Privacy Policy](/privacy-policy "")
- [Site Terms](/terms-and-conditions "")

Keyword

1. [Home](/) /
2. [Advice](/advice) /
3. [Career Advice](/advice/career-advice) /
4. [Career progression](/advice/career-advice/career-progression)

[Career progression](/advice/career-advice/career-progression)

Search

Job title

Location

Sort byRelevanceChangedSalary Max BaseSalary Min Base

Salary MinSalary min050k75k100k125k150k175k200k250k300k400k500k+

Salary MaxSalary max050k75k100k125k150k175k200k250k300k400k500k+

Cancel

Cancel

# 10 networking tips that will work for anyone

![10 networking tips that will work for anyone](/sites/michaelpage.com.au/files/styles/advice_node_desktop/public/legacy/10-networking-tips-that-will-work-for-anyone_BL.jpg.webp?itok=L3xtHNVx)

Networking can be nerve-wracking, but building a wealth of contacts is invaluable to your career and the business your company generates.

In today's dynamic and interconnected business world, staying up to date with industry trends and maintaining a robust network of professional connections is more important than ever. Building relationships by actively engaging in professional networking events, industry conferences, and online communities allows you to forge connections with individuals who can offer insights, opportunities, and support throughout your career journey.

If effective networking is in your personal development plan this year, keep reading for our best tips that can make all the difference:

## **1\.  Be prepared**

Fail to plan and you plan to fail. Simple. If you’re hosting the event, make sure you have all the necessary materials ready, such as name badges, business cards and brochures about your business. If you’re [attending an external networking event](https://www.michaelpage.com.au/advice/career-advice/career-progression/how-social-activities-can-be-professional-networking), make sure you have something to hold all the business cards you collect. If you get flustered when talking to people, try to rehearse what you’ll say beforehand. Think about how you present yourself and your skills on LinkedIn and then consider that networking is the real life equivalent. Your delivery should be as polished and professional as your online version.

> **Think about how you present yourself and your skills on** [**LinkedIn**](https://www.linkedin.com/company/michael-page) **and other social media platforms. Your delivery should be as polished and professional as your online version.**

## **2\.  Set yourself a target**

A networking event is not a social gathering – you are there to achieve something. Set yourself a target, such as the number of people you want to talk to or be introduced to. If the number is 10 or 15 people, make sure you leave with 10 or 15 business cards.

## **3\.  Don’t have a set agenda**

Remember: networking is about developing professional relationships – so don’t try to close a deal. You’re not there to do business or job search, you’re there to meet valuable contacts. Your only agenda should be a set number of people to talk to and your objective is to get their business cards and potentially do business with them in the future. So avoid any sales pitches or business propositions.

## **4\.  Be a good guest**

If you’re attending a networking event it is important to be a good guest. Make sure you are not complacent and avoid sitting in the corner by yourself – otherwise, nobody will talk to you. If you don’t make the effort to work the room you’ll miss out on opportunities. Be friendly and open when you speak to people, and if you see someone sitting alone, go and say hello.

## **5\.  Talk and listen**

You’ve got to talk to people – but you’ve also got to listen to what the other person is saying. Otherwise, you won’t know whether that person is the right person for you to be talking to and connecting with. Ask yourself: “Do I really need this person’s business card or does he or she have nothing to do with my objective?” Listen and you will learn. Yes, it may include some awkward small talk, but it's worth it to find valuable new connections.

## **6\.  Give referrals**

Continuing on from the previous tip –if you get the impression that the person you’re talking to isn’t relevant to your business, but you know of someone else at the event that may be of interest to them, you can refer them to the other person. This will help you to make good business connections as your contacts will remember you as the referrer.

## **7\.  Take two business cards**

At networking events there is a lot of exchanging of business cards – when talking to someone, ask for two business cards. Don’t just take one for yourself, but also take one for someone you may know who may be interested in their business, which ties in with the point above.

## **8\.  Time management**

It is important to keep track of time at networking events. If it’s a breakfast seminar, then you will only have about 30 to 45 minutes to network and if you’ve given yourself the goal of talking to 10 people that gives you about three to four minutes with each person. So make sure to manage your time effectively – don’t spend 20 minutes talking to someone you already know or have met at a previous networking event, but rather spend your time talking to new people.

## **9\.  Write everything down**

If you don’t have a great memory, keep a pen and paper in your pocket and write everything down. If you’re going to meet 10 people in an hour you can’t guarantee that you will remember the finer details of your conversation with each person, so it’s best to keep a written record of who you’ve spoken to and their line of business, along with a few details to jog your memory.

## **10\.  Follow up**

Most importantly to network effectively: follow up! Follow up with your newly formed networking contacts the next day and remind them of what your business has to offer to gauge their interest. If you don’t follow up with your new contacts within one to two days, you’ve just wasted the entire networking process.

RELATED: [The benefits of networking](https://www.michaelpage.com.au/advice/career-advice/career-progression/top-12-benefits-networking-why-networking-important)

The best way to use these tips is to start networking! Get out there and practice having great conversations to build relationships. Each conversation will give you an opportunity to practice making good first impressions allowing you to grow a diverse network of interesting people with shared interests.

**If you're seeking new professional opportunities, consider [browsing our open jobs](/job-search). Take the next step in your career and apply for your next role.**

**Are you earning what you're worth? Gain valuable salary insights with our latest [Salary Guide](/salary-guide) and confidently plan your next career move.**

[Compare my salary](/salary-guide)

[the Michael Page team](/author/michael-page-team)

16/01/2024

- [networking](/tags-blog/networking)
- [personal branding](/tags-blog/personal-branding)

### Summary

Networking is one of the most valuable activities you can do for your career, so make the most of it.

- Prepare and have a plan for what you want to achieve. Don't spend all your time talking to the colleagues you came with or people you know.
- Think about your network beyond the event and contacts you can refer.
- Always follow up!

Keyword

### Salary Guide Australia

Discover your value with salary benchmarks across various industries.

[Compare my salary](/salary-guide)

## Boost your career performance

- [Motivation: How to stay inspired in your job](/advice/career-advice/productivity-and-performance/work-motivation-how-stay-inspired-your-job)
- [5 ways to use negative feedback to your advantage](/advice/career-advice/productivity-and-performance/5-ways-use-negative-feedback-your-advantage)
- [How to prioritise tasks and make an effective to-do list](/advice/career-advice/productivity-and-performance/how-prioritise-tasks-and-make-effective-do-list)
- [How to set realistic deadlines at work and meet them](/advice/career-advice/productivity-and-performance/how-set-realistic-deadlines-work-and-meet-them)

### Sign up for job alerts

Stay on top of the job market and the latest roles with our job alerts.

[Create job alerts](/dream-job-alerts)

### Looking for a new role?

Quickly find jobs that match your CV with our Job Match tool.

[Upload my CV](/job-match/upload-cv)

## Maximise your job search success

- [Create a resume & cover letter that stands out](/advice/career-advice/resume-and-cover-letter-advice)
- [Ace your interview with our expert tips](/advice/career-advice/interview)
- [Negotiate the salary you deserve](/advice/career-advice/salary-negotiation)
- [Master changing jobs with ease](/advice/career-advice/changing-jobs)

Join over 60,000 readers!

Receive free advice to help give you a competitive edge in your career.

### **Simplify your job search by downloading our new App**

[![Download Our App](/sites/michaelpage.com.au/files/app-store-badge-small.png)](https://apps.apple.com/au/app/michael-page-au/id1466580945)[![Download Our App](/sites/michaelpage.com.au/files/google-play-badge-small.png)](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.michaelpage.com.au)

## Related articles

- [![Indian female white collar worker in wheelchair discussion in office lounge with colleague](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg'%20viewBox%3D'0%200%201%201'%2F%3E)\
\
Top 12 benefits of networking: Why networking is important\
\
Networking is an essential craft to master, no matter what industry you work in or your level of experience. Good…\
\
By [the Michael Page team](/author/michael-page-team)\
\
6 min read](https://www.michaelpage.com.au/advice/career-advice/career-progression/top-12-benefits-networking-why-networking-important "Top 12 benefits of networking: Why networking is important")

- [![How to avoid a genuine redundancy](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg'%20viewBox%3D'0%200%201%201'%2F%3E)\
\
5 tips to avoid being made redundant\
\
Here are five key action points to think strategically about your skills and role to help avoid a redundancy.\
\
By [the Michael Page team](/author/michael-page-team)\
\
3 min read](https://www.michaelpage.com.au/advice/career-advice/career-progression/5-tips-avoid-being-made-redundant "5 tips to avoid being made redundant")

- [![What not to do in an interview](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg'%20viewBox%3D'0%200%201%201'%2F%3E)\
\
15 things you should not do in an interview\
\
If your CV and cover letter have been impressive enough to get you an interview, the job could be yours – provided you…\
\
By [the Michael Page team](/author/michael-page-team)\
\
3 min read](https://www.michaelpage.com.au/advice/career-advice/interview/15-things-you-should-not-do-interview "15 things you should not do in an interview")

- [![How to write a resume](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg'%20viewBox%3D'0%200%201%201'%2F%3E)\
\
How to write a winning resume that will land you a job interview\
\
There will be lots of ways you can benefit any company you work for, but the beauty of a creative resume is that it…\
\
By [the Michael Page team](/author/michael-page-team)\
\
9 min read](https://www.michaelpage.com.au/advice/career-advice/resume-and-cover-letter/how-write-winning-resume "How to write a winning resume that will land you a job interview")

- [![Understanding your communication style](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg'%20viewBox%3D'0%200%201%201'%2F%3E)\
\
Understanding your communication style \
\
There are four main styles of communication; driver, analytical, expressive and amiable. Which do you fall into and how…\
\
By Michael Page\
\
6 min read](https://www.michaelpage.com.au/advice/career-advice/productivity-and-performance/understanding-your-communication-style "Understanding your communication style ")


![](/themes/custom/mp_theme/images/pwa/mp-pwa-icon-512.png)Add to home screen

This website has app functionality. Add it to your home screen for fast access and offline features.

![iOS share](/themes/custom/mp_theme/images/pwa-ios-share.svg)1) Press the share button

![Add to home screen](/themes/custom/mp_theme/images/pwa-ios-a2hs.svg)2) Press ‘Add to Home Screen’

General

- [Unauthorised data breach](/about-us/media-releases/media-statement-data-breach-incident "")
- [Page Executive](http://www.pageexecutive.com "")
- [Page Outsourcing](https://www.pageoutsourcing.com/contact/australia-en "")
- [PageGroup corporate site](https://www.page.com/ "")
- [Investor site](https://www.page.com/investors "")
- [Privacy policy](/privacy-policy "")
- [Cookies policy](https://www.michaelpage.com.au/cookie-policy "")
- [Email disclaimer](/email-disclaimer "")
- [Advisory on job scams](/protecting-yourself-recruitment-scams "")
- [Modern slavery statement](https://www.michaelpage.com.au/sites/michaelpage.com.au/files/protected-documents/2023-08/2023%20MP%20AU%20modern%20slavery%20statement.pdf "")
- [Web accessibility statement](/accessibility "")
- [Site terms](/terms-and-conditions "")
- [Site map](/site-map "")
- [Feedback](/submit-feedback "")
- [Change country/region](/change-country-region "")

Accreditations

![ISO 9001](/sites/michaelpage.com.au/files/inline-images/accreditation-iso-9001.jpg)

[![ISO 27001](/sites/michaelpage.com.au/files/inline-images/accreditation-iso-27001.jpg)](/iso27001-accreditation-global-security)

Jobs by function

## Browse Jobs

- Browse jobs by Function




- [Accounting & Finance](/jobs/accounting-finance)
- [Banking & Financial Services](/jobs/banking-financial-services)
- [Construction](/jobs/construction)
- [Customer Service](/jobs/customer-service)
- [Digital](/jobs/digital)
- [Engineering & Manufacturing](/jobs/engineering-manufacturing)
- [Executive Search](/jobs/executive-search)
- [Healthcare](/jobs/healthcare)
- [Hospitality & Leisure](/jobs/hospitality-leisure)
- [Human Resources](/jobs/human-resources)
- [Information Technology](/jobs/information-technology)
- [Legal](/jobs/legal)
- [Logistics](/jobs/logistics)
- [Marketing](/jobs/marketing)
- [Mining, Energy & Resources](/jobs/mining-energy-resources)
- [Procurement & Supply Chain](/jobs/procurement-supply-chain)
- [Property](/jobs/property)
- [Retail](/jobs/retail)
- [Sales](/jobs/sales)
- [Secretarial & Business Support](/jobs/secretarial-business-support)

### Function

- [Accounting & Finance](/jobs/accounting-finance)
- [Banking & Financial Services](/jobs/banking-financial-services)
- [Construction](/jobs/construction)
- [Customer Service](/jobs/customer-service)
- [Digital](/jobs/digital)
- [Engineering & Manufacturing](/jobs/engineering-manufacturing)
- [Executive Search](/jobs/executive-search)
- [Healthcare](/jobs/healthcare)
- [Hospitality & Leisure](/jobs/hospitality-leisure)
- [Human Resources](/jobs/human-resources)
- [Information Technology](/jobs/information-technology)
- [Legal](/jobs/legal)
- [Logistics](/jobs/logistics)
- [Marketing](/jobs/marketing)
- [Mining, Energy & Resources](/jobs/mining-energy-resources)
- [Procurement & Supply Chain](/jobs/procurement-supply-chain)
- [Property](/jobs/property)
- [Retail](/jobs/retail)
- [Sales](/jobs/sales)
- [Secretarial & Business Support](/jobs/secretarial-business-support)

Google Rating

Mobile Apps

[![Get it on Google Play](https://www.michaelpage.com.au/sites/michaelpage.com.au/files/google_play.png)](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.michaelpage.com.au)

[![Apple store](https://www.michaelpage.com.au/sites/michaelpage.com.au/files/app_store.png)](https://apps.apple.com/au/app/michael-page-au/id1466580945)

Our offices

- [Brisbane](/contact-us-brisbane "")
- [Canberra](/contact-us-canberra)
- [Melbourne CBD](/contact-us-melbourne-cbd "")
- [Perth](/contact-us-perth "")
- [Sydney CBD](/contact-us-sydney-cbd "")
- [Sydney West](/contact-us-sydney-west "")

Contact

- [Feedback](/submit-feedback "")
- [Looking to hire?](/request-call-back "")
- [Submit your CV](/submit-your-cv "")

[![Read our Blog](https://www.michaelpage.com.au/sites/michaelpage.com.au/files/legacy/mp_social_feeds/sociallogo0.png)](https://www.michaelpage.com.au/advice)[![Follow us on Facebook](https://www.michaelpage.com.au/sites/michaelpage.com.au/files/legacy/mp_social_feeds/sociallogo1.png)](https://www.facebook.com/michaelpageaustralia)[![Follow us on Instagram](https://www.michaelpage.com.au/sites/michaelpage.com.au/files/legacy/mp_social_feeds/sociallogo2.png)](https://www.instagram.com/pagegroup.au/)[![Follow us on LinkedIn](https://www.michaelpage.com.au/sites/michaelpage.com.au/files/legacy/mp_social_feeds/sociallogo3.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/company/3476?trk=tyah)[![Watch us on YouTube](https://www.michaelpage.com.au/sites/michaelpage.com.au/files/legacy/mp_social_feeds/sociallogo5.png)](http://www.youtube.com/MichaelPageAustralia)

Michael Page is part of PageGroup. Michael Page is a trading name of Michael Page International (Australia) Pty Ltd (ABN 58 002 872 264). Registered Office: Level 21, 9 Castlereagh Street, Sydney NSW 2000

© PageGroup plc

[Back](javascript:void(0);) [Forward](javascript:void(0);) [Home](/) [Tempapp Home](#tempapp_login)