Convention Countdown: 17 Days - 5 Networking Tips for Emerging Leaders

When I was in college, I did very little strategic networking. If you had asked me what networking looked like, I wouldn't have had a clue. Looking back, the sorority had been like a secret networking ninja, and planted little tidbits while interacting in my social circle.

When meeting sisters at Delta Phi Epsilon's International Convention 2014 ( #disneydeepher ), you will be expanding your network to a national, even global level. You may not be doing it on purpose, I sure didn't know that's what I was doing when I was in school. My hope for every woman attending convention, it to leave Disneyworld with a broader outlook on the possibilities being in our sorority brings to them.

To maximize your networking, here are a few things to consider before getting on the plane or in the car bound for Florida.

Update your LinkedIn profile.
It acts as a virtual resume in a social media body. Using the convention app, Bizzabo, your LinkedIn profile will automatically be connected to the other women using the app. If they want to learn more about you, they will find you on LinkedIn through this app. You don't want them thinking you are still in college if you graduated, or that you work part-time when you now have a full-time job. Little updates here and there will help potential connections get the full picture of who you are. Maybe they are looking for someone just like you to come work for their company. You never know.

Bring business cards. 
If you're not currently employed, that doesn't mean you don't need your own business card. Have some printed, or print them at home, with your name, contact information, and a link to your personal website or LinkedIn account. This makes exchanging information a quick and painless process if you end up with nothing else to say. Hand them your card, and I promise they'll be impressed you thought to bring them.

Rethink your email address. 
Back in 2010, it was probably really cute to have an email like blondiecutie4lyfe @ gmail.com or somethingreallycleverwithnumbersandkisses @ idontknow.com, but its not a really professional way to communicate. Create an email account as simple as your name, with the occasional punctuation if you can't get your first choice.

Body Language.
A gesture is worth a thousand words. Consider how you hold yourself in conversation. Do you tend to look around the room when listening? Are you easily distracted? Remember to listen intently when talking with someone new. This could look like nodding, great posture, and sometimes leaning in to the person speaking to you. This shows your interest in what they are saying, giving them value and purpose to take the time to speak to you.

Smile.
This one goes hand in hand with body language. What does your expression say about you? Do you look uninterested? Do you look like you smell something unpleasing? Smiling makes you look more approachable, open, and welcoming in general. You'll catch more fish in your network with smiling than with stank-face.