Take it from the Pros: The Network’s Top Networkers Share Their Tips

By Chantal Lovell, State Policy Network’s Director of Strategic Communications

What does landing a new job, receiving a book on the sharing economy, and learning how to remove skunk odor from a dog all have in common?

They all happened because of relationships formed at the State Policy Network’s Annual Meeting.

Like many of you, SPN’s Annual Meeting is one of my favorite events of the year, in large part because when I get to reconnect face-to-face with old friends and acquaintances, and make new connections that last for years.

Since networking isn’t always intuitive or easy, I reached out to some of the contacts I’ve made since my first Annual Meeting (Denver, Colorado in 2014) to get their advice for making the most of this year’s meeting.

	Benita Dodd, Vice President, Georgia Public Policy Foundation The network has grown amazingly over the years, but one thing is constant: You gain as much in the hallways, lounges, and lobby as you do in the sessions at SPN’s Annual Meeting, because the colleagues and peers you see perhaps just once a year become invaluable sources, resources, friends, allies, and sounding boards. So always carry enough cards, be willing to exchange contact information, and track them down on social media.
	Laurel Buckley Abraham, Director of Development, Liberty Justice Center Networking is all about comfort — being able to engage in small talk with ease is a true art form. As with any art, you need to practice. Try engaging with the woman at the checkout counter or ask your waiter about his day. Having a few planned practiced questions with strangers in a low-stress situation will help you engage with others when the stakes are higher or you’re a little more nervous.
	Kelsey Witt, Communications Director, Sutherland Institute Networking is about creating mutualistic relationships — where both parties can benefit. It’s important to be mindful of opportunities in each and every meeting you attend with a new acquaintance. It’s also vital to be consistent and responsive as these relationships grow and evolve. Networking opens doors you might never have previously imagined.
	Austin Berg, Director of Content Strategy, Illinois Policy Institute Every person at this conference has a piece of knowledge that can add tremendous value to the work you’re doing. If you can’t find those gems, you’re not trying hard enough. Or you might be a snob. Nobody likes a snob.
	David Guenthner, Senior Strategist for State Affairs, Mackinac Center for Public Policy Make sure you get the cell numbers in advance for anyone with whom you’ve set up a meeting. SPN’s Annual Meeting is a huge conference, and it can be challenging to find each other. Plus, certain places become everyone’s meeting spot (i.e., any Starbucks) so you may want to call an audible once you find a quieter spot with comfortable chairs.
	Connor Boyack, President, Libertas Institute Spend a couple hours before the meeting thinking about your work and who in the network could assist you. Rather than casually networking with whoever you might bump into it, reach out to specific people you think can help you and request a 10-minute meeting so that you maximize your experience by identifying and connecting with those who might assist you most in your endeavors.
	Patricia Rausch, Director of Career Programs, Leadership Institute Find the booths with the fun activities. There will often be a lot of people gathered around them during breaks, and it’s a great opportunity to meet some new people. At the very least, you might come away with a new portable phone charger or sunglasses that will last longer than those Ray-Bans you lost on the water slide at last year’s Annual Meeting.
	Sam Cosby, Director of Development, Beacon Center of Tennessee If you’re anything like me, you’d rather have in-depth discussion with one person than small talk with twenty. While this may be good for winning new friends, it is bad networking. Do this instead: Introduce yourself, ask great questions, exchange contact info, excuse yourself, make plans to follow up (and then actually do it!), and repeat.
	Vinnie Vernuccio, Vernuccio Strategies The most important thing to do networking is to have fun! Mostly likely you are going to be networking with others in the liberty movement who believe in freedom as much as you do. Don’t think of it as an interview or work; think of networking as meeting new friends who share your values.