Networking Tips: Getting the Most from Events and Conferences

Ever attended an event (even with great networking tips in hand) and came home with only some handouts and a few scribbled notes? No real connections with others who could be ideal clients or referral partners and no one to follow up with?

I have…many times. Why does that happen? Because no one ever shared key networking tips for getting the most from events, conferences, and workshops.

Whether you are a coach, consultant, or speaker, there are events and conferences that you can attend to network, learn something new to improve your marketing or business skills, form new relationships with like-minded individuals, and build your business.

If you plan ahead, you can make participating and attending conferences and events a great opportunity to make great connections to move your business forward.

Here are 7 practical networking tips you can use right away as you attend events, conferences, and workshops.

  • Decide before you go what you need most. Do you need clients? referral partners? speaking opportunities?  When we are clear on what we want, it becomes so much easier to find it.
  • Research the presenters and other participants you want to meet. Go to their web sites, read their blogs, and look them up on social media so you have topics to start the conversation.
  • Ask others what they do and who they want to meet. Be more interested in others than focused on being interesting yourself. If you can connect two people who may need each other, you have done a great service to both of them. You never know where that small action may lead.
  • Sit with a different person at every break. Invite your new connections that you really want to get to know to join you for lunch or for an after-event get together.
  • Have your phone and calendar ready to book follow up calls on the spot! This shows you are serious about connecting and avoids the Email and phone call “chase” after the event.
  • Take pictures of yourself with your new connections and those you intentionally wanted to meet. Post them on social media. Ask their permission first, of course. Tip: Take your name tag off first.
  • Follow up after the event. Send an email, and offer your freebie or another gift, and invite them to join your list community. Share your favorite aha or action step. If having a follow up conversation is the appropriate next step and they live in a different part of the country, consider setting up a virtual coffee (or tea) via phone or Skype.

If you are an introvert (as I am), you may not be comfortable with some of these networking tips. Check out this Inc. article on building rapport at networking events for more insights.

What other networking tips have you found helpful when attending events, conferences, and workshops? Please share them in the comments section so we can all learn from each other.