The idea of networking might make you want to run for the hills but pushing yourself outside your comfort zone is one of the best ways to advance your career. London is full of opportunities to network and meeting other PAs and EAs is a great way to keep up to date with the best recommendations, hear about job opportunities and generally ensure you are at the top of your game and not getting left behind.

Before you take the plunge, here are our top tips for successful networking:

Do your research

Make sure the event you’re attending is targeted at your profession, or a profession you want to get into. Then, if you can, find out who’s attending the event and some background information about the organisation that’s hosting it. Going in with a good basis of knowledge will help you feel a lot calmer and better prepared. Do approach people – that’s why you’re there! And it’s why everyone else is to, it may feel weird but go up to people and introduce yourself, talk about yourself openly and ask questions in return.

Prepare

Who are you, what do you do and why are you there? Be prepared to talk about yourself a lot, it helps to ensure you’ve mastered concisely summing up who you are and what you do before attending.

Follow up

You’ll never remember everyone’s names or details, be sure to take cards and if needed jot down details of the people you meet in a notebook. Once the event is over be sure to send a follow up email to the people you spoke to, even if it’s just a, ‘nice to meet you’ you never know where a connection may lead.

Sharing is caring

If you are willing to share your contacts, recommendations and resources, other people will be more likely to help you in return. Be open with your information and don’t be shy about asking for advice from the other people there.

Looking for a job? Head to our jobs board here to view our live vacancies. And if you'd like more information and training on networking head to our Little Black Book where we have an exclusive discount on networking training with The Golden Network.