Networking is one of the hottest buzzwords in the world of work. It involves connecting with other professionals who are in or adjacent to your field. These mutually beneficial relationships can open doors and unlock exciting job opportunities, especially in a reputation-driven industry like hospitality. 

A staggering 85% of jobs are filled via networking, and seven out of ten roles never get posted on a public forum. The bottom line is that you need to network, and we are going to teach you how to do just that. Check out this list of networking dos and don’ts so you can forge more meaningful professional connections.

5 Hospitality Networking Tips to Promote Career Growth

There’s a right and wrong way to network. Here are five networking dos that will help you make meaningful connections: 

• Smile

As a hospitality pro, you know the importance of setting a great first impression. A warm smile can make you seem more approachable and help kick-start conversations. Once you identify someone you’d like to speak to, smile and make eye contact.

Make sure you are presentable during these networking opportunities. If you end up connecting with a hospitality manager or business owner, you want them to leave with a positive opinion of you. Setting a great first impression may increase your odds of landing a job with them. 

• Approach First

Don’t wait for others to walk up to you. Be willing to approach first. After you’ve smiled and made eye contact, walk on over. 

Be tactful as you do this. Make sure you don’t interrupt conversations that are already in motion, as you might inadvertently disrupt another hospitality professional's attempts to network. If you are going to join an existing party’s conversation, do so respectfully. Wait for a break in the conversation and introduce yourself. 

• Break the Ice

If you are a naturally social person, breaking the ice should be a breeze. Introduce yourself and strike up a conversation. If you are a bit nervous about networking, take a deep breath and be yourself. There’s no need to fill the conversation with forced jokes or prepared openers. 

Let the chat take on a life of its own and go along for the ride. Talk about professional similarities, shared interests, or any other topic that you and the other person stumble upon during the course of your conversation. 

• Get a Digital Business Card

Business cards aren’t very common in the hospitality sector, and you probably shouldn’t waste your money printing hundreds of them. However, we suggest creating a digital business card. These cards allow you to share your contact information with others via a scannable QR code.

If you are at a busy event, the people you are speaking to will likely meet dozens of hospitality pros. A digital business card can help you stand out while also ensuring they retain your contact info after the event. 

• Listen

Networking is all about building connections. However, that doesn’t mean you should make every conversation about you. Listen as much as — if not more than — you speak. Ensure the conversation is a two-way event, and try to get to know who you are talking to. Don’t simply look for opportunities. 

It’s best that you listen to understand, not to reply. Be thoughtful during the conversation, and do your best not to interrupt the other party, even if you’re excited. 

5 Networking Missteps You Need to Avoid

If there’s a right way to do something, there’s a wrong way, too. Here are five things you should never do when networking with hospitality professionals: 

• Don’t Play on Your Phone

Smartphones are great because they keep you connected and give you something to do with your hands when you’re nervous. However, when networking, it’s of paramount importance that you focus on your conversations and exhibit confidence when doing so.

With that in mind, you need to stay off your phone when networking unless you are sharing your digital business card or inputting someone’s contact information. Keeping your phone away will go a long way toward making conversations more meaningful. 

• Don’t Be Pushy

If you are on the hunt for new opportunities, it can be tempting to be too forward. Take a step back and be casual. No matter how eager you are, it’s important not to overwhelm the person you are speaking to. 

It’s okay to ask questions and keep the conversation flowing. However, if you feel it is dying down, take that as a cue to step away. Not everyone you speak to will be a good fit for your network. 

• Don’t Open With an Ask

Never start a new relationship by asking for a favor or a job. You need to invest in professional connections just like you do friendship.

Start by sharing a little about yourself and learning about your prospective network ally. After you’ve built a rapport and become acquainted, casually ask for a favor or job opportunity. Keep in mind that this may not happen in the same conversation. You might need to nurture network connections for weeks or months.

• Don’t Stay Seated

If someone introduces themselves to you, stand and greet them. If you’d like to sit back down after, ask the other person to join you. Sitting down with someone can help make the conversation more laid back. It will put both of you at ease and may help you forge a stronger connection. 

• Don’t Overhype Yourself

Be confident but not cocky. Use your demeanor and overall vibe to exude your belief in your abilities as a hospitality professional. Avoid any direct statements about your skills or accomplishments unless you can bring them up naturally.

For example, if the other person asks about your role at your current business, feel free to share things like your title. If you lead a large team of staff, you could subtly mention that, too. 

Put These Networking Dos and Don’ts to Work

Learning the latest networking dos and don’ts helps you connect with other hospitality industry professionals and progress in your professional journey. When you know the right people, you’re more likely to discover great opportunities that help you meet your goals.

The hospitality industry is about who you know and how you perform. Make sure you develop a strong reputation for working hard and performing at high standards. This way, your network connections can confidently recommend you for positions and support your hospitality journey. 

What are you waiting for? Get out there and put these hospitality networking tips to use so you can land your dream job.