First Networking event

Hello there!

Last week I went to my first ever networking event in London. The event was a meet up with the UK Sport Network, networking and a Q&A with Richard Ayers.
It was an enjoyable evening, the Q&A session was really interesting, it had a big focus on digital media and it's impact in sport. Which is quite remarkable, as brand and other industry's have flourished with using digital media. However, sport is still quite behind, not only in the UK but globally as well.

Although I enjoyed the evening afterwards, it was quite daunting at the beginning. Through my own research about how to network I know the basics, I'm not a particularly dull or boring person and I can talk for Britain. However it was nervous as you do hope these connections you make here can lead in to job prospects. 
So after getting a drink at the bar and starting my first chat to a stranger it wasn't long before the Q & A started. I must admit I didn't quite follow everything they were saying as a few parts were brand new to me. But it was very interesting. 
Luckily I did bring a friend to keep me company. This did three things....
1) I could always stand and talk to at least someone
2) if I got stuck or shy she could help (could lead to dependence of her in the conversation)
3) push me to talk to these strangers

What I did find interesting about this networking event it was quite a small gathering compared to other events I have heard of, just about 100 attendees. It was in a Sports Cafe in Piccadilly so nice and relaxed atmosphere. I found interesting that I was the only student there and the only person looking/hoping for a job through this. Which I think proved more difficult here as everyone would have long conversation about what they do and if they could become job clients etc. 
I did sometimes feel a bit out of my league and hard to start something, if at the moment all I do is 
study and have a part time job, that doesn't relate to what I want to do in the first place. 
However, I did talk to a few people and have a interesting conversations with them. One man was so lovely he even gave me some career advice! 

After I got home, I got a few new follows on twitter and some Linked In connections from people I didn't think we're that interested in me or some didn't even speak to me. So I am assuming I made some sort of good impression! I followed up people with emails and to those who said they could help me. So fingers crossed....

What I did learn from this is what to expect in future, it not about how many people you talk to or how many business cards you give out but the quailty of those conversations and you just got to jump into the deep end and do it! You may even surprise yourself! 

Looking forward to my next event
Wally Woman x