WHAT TO WEAR TO THE SEMPDX ROOFTOP MIXER + 5 TIPS TO GETTING THE MOST OUT OF NETWORKING

A few months ago I attended #PDXChat, a quarterly event series put on by the Social Media Club PDX. I had such a great time learning and meeting my peers in the marketing community that ever since then, I’ve been on the lookout for local PR and marketing events to attend. So, when I heard about the SEMpdx Rooftop Networking Party I just had to get tickets! Good people, cool drinks and a rooftop? Definitely sounds like my kind of party!

With a background in fashion, naturally my first thought after purchasing tickets was, what am I going to wear?

Floral and leaf print patterns are right on trend this summer. This TOPSHOP crop overlay dress is the perfect way to stay cool, cute and professional during an evening of networking. 

Wedges are definitely my go to shoe when I know I'm going to be standing for a long time. It's hard to make genuine conversation and build relationships when your feet hurt...trust me. Ha! 

A light, neutral lip is great for adding a little color without going overboard and simple accessories nicely complement the busy print of the dress.

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So now that you've picked out your outfit and you're looking fab, here are 5 tips to help you get the most out of networking:

Have a killer Elevator Pitch. An elevator pitch is a brief, yet precise introduction of who you are and what you do. A creative and informative elevator pitch is a great way to open the door for people to want to know more about you. 

Go with the flow. It's okay to memorize your elevator pitch and to practice conversating but don't get so stuck in playing it by the book that you sound rehearsed. You don't want to seem robotic or calculated. Relax and go with the flow. 

Show genuine interest. Don't focus the conversation all about you, or make finding people who can help you your main goal. Find value in other people. Listen to what they say and ask questions. "Networking is not about collecting contacts, it's about planting relationships." Unknown. 

Ditch your nervousness at the door. This is the absolute number one, most important piece of networking advice I could ever give you. Don't miss out on an opportunity. Leave your nerves at the door and remember that everyone is in the same boat.

Follow up. Stay connected to the new people you met by following up within 24 hours with an email, an invitation to get coffee or even a tweet. This is essential to keeping the relationship fresh.

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Do you have any networking tips? Share them below. Will you be attending the SEMpdx Rooftop Networking Party? Make sure you say hi!