This always a tough situation - time is of importance at a networking event, and I never want to come across as selling the minute I meet someone. In the insurance industry, there can be many of us at events and we have become a commodity in many ways. I always try to make some type of personal connection first, asking questions of others. People want to do busines with people the like, know and trust. Trust is built over time and not in a 60 second elevator pitch.

At a networking event, first impressions matter! The easiest way to make a strong one is by being well-dressed—people often decide who they want to talk to based on how they look. The halo effect kicks in right after that, as a positive first impression sets the tone for the conversation. Add a little humor—a good joke can make the conversation memorable. It’s all about making connections—and having fun along the way.

Networking is networking, meaning that you have to be curious. Do not try to sell, introduce yourself but listen with attention to the others and observe details. Look at them, how do they behave, some detail that you can use to build a conversation, a personal conversation that help to share values. As an example, are you talking to a sailing person? a former basketball player? a traveller? Find experiences to share, to be remembered and to remember the other interesting people that you met!