How to ace networking - 5 Steps

Going to many different networking sessions and event within the Amsterdam start-up scene, team Chatour has collected quite a lot of experience when it comes to networking. We realized that there are a couple of tips and tricks that can really help you to step up your networking game and make awesome connections out there!

Here is our own exclusive Top 5 of Networking must-do’s:

1. Stay up to date with the current news and know what is happening in the real world! This will help you to create a common topic to talk about and make it a lot easier to exchange opinions with your new acquaintance. 
2. Come prepared! There is nothing better than researching about your target audience at a specific networking events beforehand. This will we super effective during the event because you know exactly who you would like to talk to and are able to come up with a proposal or suggestions that will blow their mind! 
3. Keep an open mind! Get ready to have your start-up idea crushed or praised by experienced and successful entrepreneurs. It is always a good idea to spread your idea in order to get valuable feedback - don’t take the comments or criticism personal but instead, focus on what can actually help improve your product or service! 
4. Practice at home! Yes we know that talking to your own humble self in the mirror can be awkward or seemingly a waste of time but trust us - it is not. Take out your notebook and script out a small introduction (30 sec max) about yourself. Need some inspiration for self-introduction? Check out this awesome TedTalk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1xt7zgnuK0 
5. Have fun! Networking is not only doing business but even more so a really enjoyable activity - learn from the experienced people at every event and try to talk to them. It can be challenging, inspiring and motivating at the same time! 

If you have any suggestions on how to become a better networker then please let us know in the comment section below. We are looking forward to reading your response!