by Wes Hartig, MedOne Pharmacy Benefit Solutions and YP Co-Director of Sponsor Relations

Forget what it feels like to interact in person in a social setting? Yeah, me too!

When you head to your next YP event, here are four networking tips to remember:

1. Introduce Yourself to Someone New

It is easy to sit with your co-workers or familiar faces. Instead, find a seat at a table where you don’t know anyone. Worst case – you exchange greetings, share an awkward pause, and you will be out of there soon. Best case – you get to know someone new and become acquaintances or friends over time.

1. Lead with Questions

When striking up a conversation, lead with a few questions to get the other person talking. Where they went to school? What field of work are they in? Do they have family in town?

1. Listen Intently

Don’t ask questions, then tune out to look at who is walking in the room or where your co-worker is grabbing a seat. When distracted, you likely won’t even remember the person’s name, let alone learn much about that person.

1. Find Common Ground

Look for connection points such as someone you know who works at the same company or having kids the same age. When you can start to relate and discuss commonalities, this is where the conversation gets fun.

If the conversation goes well, look for the person at the next YP event or grab coffee with them as a follow-up. Cheers!