Learning doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Whether you are connected to the internet or you connect face-to-face, the key is, there needs to be connection. As social beings, it is often the latter situation from which we learn the most.

Peer-to-peer learning is a recognized educational framework. In the wider world, it is recognized as a mode of “learning for everyone, by everyone, about almost anything.” Whether you realize it or not, you likely engage in this type of learning daily. In fact, networking is a form of peer-to-peer learning.

Whether you’re attending a general leadership conference or an industry-specific meetup, the people you meet while networking can help you grow as a professional. Not to mention, networking skills translate to many other social situations. Simply put, knowing how to network will give you a leg up across all aspects of your life.

Here are 5 tips from expert networkers to help you get started:

1. RESEARCH & PREPARE QUESTIONS

“Be prepared with questions that help you learn about others, hold mutually interesting conversations and make it easy to share what you want to about yourself or your business when it’s appropriate.” – Kriselle Laran, Zeno Group

Take some time to research attendees, speakers and organizers that will be at an event. Once you have a little background information, think of thoughtful questions to ask and a propos subjects to broach. A little bit of legwork prior to the event will go a long way towards making you feel more at ease when the time comes to strike up a conversation.

2. START BY LISTENING

“Take a few minutes to listen to the conversation when joining a group of people. An effective way to make a good first impression is to join a conversation with a comment that shows you were listening to the current group of people.” — Kiersten Williams, Walk West

Actively listening before contributing to a conversation will ensure you understand the subject at hand prior to jumping in. Listening is a great way to learn, and people respect a good listener. The last thing you want to do is interject and say the wrong thing or be “that person” who was whispering during a speaker’s talk.

3. CURIOSITY, IN THIS CASE, WILL HELP YOUR CAUSE

“The more interested you are in others, the more interesting you become.” — Tracey Grove, Microsoft

Expressing genuine curiosity will go a long way in networking situations. Whatever the event, attendees are there because they are passionate about something. They want to learn and grow, and they have ideas a plenty. Tap into that passion. Ask lots of questions and demonstrate your listening skills. The more you get someone talking, the more they will like you!

4. BE AUTHENTIC

“Be authentic and simply try to make a new friend. This takes the pressure off, allows you to be yourself and leads to stronger connections.” — Tanya Carlsson, Offleash

Networking can be intimidating, but just being yourself can greatly reduce the pressure you feel. When you are striving to project some persona, the whole event will feel like a struggle. Instead, just relax, be authentic and allow yourself to connect on a real level with others. Basically, you don’t need to try so hard. Just follow tips one through three, and you will have plenty to talk about!

5. OFFER TO HELP

“Networking is a powerful way to build business connections, but it’s important that your objective in meeting new people isn’t self-serving. Be authentic, ask questions and start every conversation hoping to learn, ‘How can I help?’” — Robyn Hannah, Dynamic Signal

When your first objective isn’t self-serving, the impression you make will undoubtedly be more positive. If you go into a conversation with an ulterior motive, the person you are talking to will pick up on that. On the other hand, if you approach each interaction with a helpful attitude, people will feel like you are more genuine and will enjoy speaking with you.

Being a successful networker doesn’t require you to be someone you are not. All it requires, is a willingness to learn from and listen to your peers. The most successful individuals recognize the value of this form of learning. They choose to surround themselves with people who both teach and challenge them. Networking is a great way to put yourself in this situation.

Remember: “Surround yourself with people who are smarter than you.” — Russel Simmons

Want to put your new skills to great use? The Acquisition Group has a career fit for you!