Business bites: Top tips for business networking
Find out how to showcase your expertise, build meaningful connections, and make the most of your next networking event.
Attending business networking events, like those organised by your local Chamber of Commerce or Federation of Small Businesses, offers translators and interpreters an excellent opportunity to connect with your local business community and beyond. Not only can you build awareness of our profession (many people are unaware of what translators and interpreters do), but you can also help businesses recognise when they might benefit from our services. Include some of the tips below and really make the most of your next networking event.
Giving a presentation
Know your audience
Take time to prepare by researching the event and attendees so you can tailor your presentation to their specific interests, industry challenges, or needs.
Structure for impact
Prepare a clear, concise, and engaging presentation that highlights your unique value proposition as a translator / interpreter. Include some relatable examples and focus on how your services can directly benefit your audience.
Practice with a partner
Rehearse several times to ensure a smooth and confident delivery. Consider pairing up with a colleague to complement each other's strengths. For example, if you're more comfortable with public speaking, they could support you with one-on-one follow-ups.
Use visual aids for clarity
Consider using slides or handouts, to reinforce your message and make it more memorable. Limit text to ensure the audience remains engaged with you, not just the slides.
Include a Q&A
Allow time for questions and be ready to provide thoughtful, informative answers.
Include a call to action
End with a brief summary and a clear call to action. Invite the audience to connect with you or visit your desk if you have one, providing opportunities to discuss further.
Hosting a desk
Make your display stand out
Create an eye-catching and professional display that showcases your services and conveys your expertise.
Offer materials to take away
Provide informative brochures, business cards, and promotional materials that highlight your services. ITI members can order copies of a promotional card from the Business outreach page.
Engage proactively with visitors
Smile, be approachable, friendly, and ready to engage with potential clients who visit your desk. Use languages as an icebreaker to initiate conversations and find common interests.
Prepare a brief introduction
Have a memorable introduction that succinctly communicates who you are, what you do, and why you're attending the event. Keep it short and simple, such as "Specialist in legal and business French to English translation" or "local group of the Institute of Translation and Interpreting".
Display case studies
Include one or two brief case studies that show your work in action, such as successful project outcomes or client testimonials, adding credibility to your services.
Networking
Set clear goals
Define what you want to achieve from networking at the event — making new contacts, insights into industry trends, or future collaboration opportunities.
Identify key attendees
Research the attendees beforehand and identify key individuals or companies that you'd like to connect with. This preparation helps you focus your time on relevant connections.
Have an elevator pitch ready
Work out in advance how you'll introduce yourself. For example, a concise, 45-second pitch that highlights your background and how your work might interest the audience.
Be an active listener
Show genuine interest in the people you meet, ask questions and engage in meaningful conversations. Approach networking with an open mind, as connections from different quarters can lead to unexpected opportunities.
Exchange contact information
Always request business cards, and take notes on any notable conversations. After the event, follow up by sending a personalised message or by connecting on LinkedIn to keep the relationship alive, remembering to say where you met.
Maximise informal opportunities
Attend social parts of the event like drinks or lunch breaks. These informal settings often allow for more relaxed conversations that can turn into valuable connections.
With clear goals and a bit of preparation, business networking events can be worthwhile attending for translators and interpreters . You can make valuable connections, raise awareness of the profession and educate business on the value of professional linguists. Whether you’re presenting, hosting a desk, or simply networking, every conversation can help to communicate the benefits of your services and to build relationships. Armed with these tips you can really make the most of your next event.
