By Sarah C. Keenan, State Policy Network’s Coalitions Manager

Networking is a fancy word for making friends and maintaining relationships. The difference with these friends is that they are going to help your work and your career, and you are going to help them, too.

On any given week, you may meet 2-3 new people, but during a conference, it’s easy to imagine meeting 20-30 new people. How do you manage that surge in new faces?

Conferences like State Policy Network’s Annual Meeting are the kind of situations that thrill extroverts and terrify those who like their “alone time.” Nevertheless, one of the primary reasons people attend, year after year, in increasing numbers, is to play the sport we all hate a little: networking.

There are many helpful strategies for navigating networking opportunities, but one that can be especially useful is knowing what type of networking situation you’re walking into. Understanding this can help you anticipate how the networking activity might advance your goals for meeting people and what types of conversations to expect. In my experience (as a self-proclaimed extrovert and people-lover), there are three levels of networking. Each level usually builds on the one before it, and the Annual Meeting offers opportunities to experience all three.

Level 1—Reception networking.

This is usually a crowded room and the conversation is light and somewhat generic. You hear a lot of starter questions like: “What do you do?” “Where are you from?” “How did you get connected to x, y, z project?” In my opinion, this can be the hardest part of networking! Check out our 5 Networking Tips for Introverts and Networking Etiquette Essentials for making it easier.

This year’s Annual Meeting offers many opportunities to network at this level:

Tuesday

• Welcome Reception sponsored by Libertas Institute
• Communication Reception sponsored by The Heritage Foundation
• Development Reception sponsored by ClearWord Communications Group, Inc.
• Operations Professionals Reception
• Policy and Outreach Reception
• Cigar Reception

Wednesday

• Hillsdale College Alumni Reception sponsored by Hillsdale College
• Networking Reception sponsored by Lincoln Network
• What Works in State Education Policy reception sponsored by Conservative Leaders in Education

Thursday

• Charles Koch Institute Alumni Reception sponsored by Charles Koch Institute (Invitation Only)
• Build Community and Engagement with America’s Future Foundation
• Thomas A. Roe Dinner Reception
• After-Dinner Reception/Preview to SPN 27th Annual Meeting

Level 2—Coffee, drinks, or a meal.

There is space at this level to brainstorm ideas, work on shared projects, and ask deeper questions. You’ll have exchanges such as “What are you doing on this initiative?” “What developments have you seen in this area?” “We should collaborate on this issue, I’ll introduce you to my team member…”

There will be meeting spaces during Annual Meeting to grab a cup of coffee and have more in-depth conversations. The Annual Meeting app has a feature that will allow you to message other attendees directly (if they’re opted in), so take advantage of these opportunities to build your relationships.

• The Connections Lounge located in the Imperial Ballroom will offer areas with comfortable seating and plenty of power outlets, perfect for having networking conversations. A big thanks to sponsors Epipheo, Loving Liberty, and Facebook for making these areas possible!
• Hospitality Suites will be available for attendees wanting to discuss education reform (courtesy of K12) and tax issues (courtesy of the Tax Foundation)

Level 3—Become work friends and partners.

This level of networking is the result of shared interests combined with successful follow-ups and consistent communication. People who are good at this level have their contacts saved and know what motivates each one. This is where coalitions and partnerships begin. You might not talk to your contacts all the time, but you’ve built enough trust to call him or her when needed. These relationships even allow for disagreement and debate—the ultimate sign that you’ve gained someone’s trust.

It is easy to regard networking as transactional or superficial. Break out of that stereotype and remember each person you meet is a real human, with a favorite TV show, a funny story about their pet, and probably a problem they need help on—that you’re positioned to help solve. Find out what those things are and genuinely care about them. It will go a long way. The best “networkers” know that a crowded reception is an opportunity of making new friends and keeping them (something we all learned in kindergarten). Have fun!