Brussels is often described as a political bubble with networking events vital for getting (and staying) ahead in EU public affairs.
DeHavilland’s Flavia Scotton is an introvert who likes building meaningful one-on-one connections with time and patience. She always considered networking events to be her own personal nightmare but with time, Flavia has discovered joy and meaning in the Brussels-mingling.
Here Flavia shares the five tips she wishes she had known when she first started:
1. Mindset
You might walk in, see a room full of brilliant individuals with decades of experience engaging in deep conversations, and think you don’t belong. Let me break this for you: you cannot be the only one in the room who wishes they could be somewhere else. It is statistically impossible. Now that you are here, make the most of it. Even if you don’t have decades of experience, you could make someone else’s day less boring.
2. Buddy system
At first, it can help to attend events with a colleague or friend. Make a few calls around before the event to see who else from your network will join. It will be easier to approach new people together. Spoiler alert: at around event number four, you will realise you constantly meet the same group of people. And you will automatically become part of the group.
3. Embrace the power of small talk
Be prepared. Instead of dreading small talk, you can master the art. Develop intriguing icebreakers that not only initiate conversation but also leave a lasting impression. The weather is a classic, but how about starting with a unique question related to your field or industry trends? A positive comment on someone’s jacket is also okay!
4. Arrive early
Arriving early allows you to ease into the environment before it gets too crowded. You can initiate conversations in a more relaxed setting, making it easier to connect with others.
5. Host micro-events
Once you get more comfortable and have built a network, take the lead by gathering your group around a table to discuss a particular topic. This attracts like-minded individuals and makes it easier to expand your network further.
Remember, networking is an evolving skill. Experiment with these strategies, find what resonates with you, and watch your networking experience transform.
If you would like to be part of Flavia’s network, you can find her on LinkedIn here. And if you want more information about our political services, you can get in touch and book a trial here.
