How to make the most out of business networking events
Whether you are the founder of a growing enterprise or an ambitious executive looking to scale the corporate world, knowing the right people, making new connections, and nurturing relationships are essential for business success.
Trade shows, conferences, workshops, and industry seminars can all become useful opportunities to meet new people, both within and outside your industry, and expand your network.
But how can you make the most out of business networking events? Here are proven tips to help get you started.
Determine what you would like to achieve
Attending random events without a clear goal or purpose will not help you achieve much. You could end up exchanging cards with dozens of people, but not with the right ones.
This is why setting clear goals is necessary before attending a networking event. For instance, you may want to connect with potential clients, find investors for your business, meet vendors offering cutting-edge solutions, access job opportunities, or find a mentor who could guide you toward career success.
In each of these instances, your approach to networking and who you should connect with is different. So, spend some time to assess your requirements and set realistic goals.
Do your homework
Start by researching the event. The audience that a business event attracts could vary based on several factors, including the theme, scale, quality, and promotional campaigns. The number of years the event has been held and the reputation of its organizers will also have an impact.
Determine whether it would draw in the type of people you would like to connect with based on the goals you have set. If you think it will, it is best to confirm your attendance as early as possible.
Next, research who exactly will take part. Who are the speakers? Which businesses will have booths or make presentations? Event organizers could provide you with all these details. You can also use your network and unofficial channels to find out who else will attend.
Identify the people you would like to meet and learn more about them. For instance, use Leadar to search their industry background and professional connections. The information you find can help you prepare with a few icebreakers for seamless networking.
Review your online presence
Before the event, take stock of your online visibility. Remember, many professionals carry out online searches to verify information and discover more about people they meet. When your new connections search your name online, you want to ensure you create a good first impression.
Here are a few steps to take in this regard:
- Update your LinkedIn profile by adding detailed information about your work experience, education, achievements, and portfolio. Create a personal statement that can help you get noticed.
- Check your profiles on other social media platforms, too, and delete any posts, comments, and reshares that come across as inappropriate or sensitive from a professional perspective.
- Share content that showcases your skills, knowledge, and expertise. These can include blogs, comments, and general posts.
- Search your name on Google and review the top 20 to 30 results. If you see anything you would like to remove on a third-party site, reach out to the web publisher immediately.
Carry enough business cards
One of the biggest mistakes many professionals make when attending networking events is not taking sufficient business cards.
This simple omission can cost you valuable opportunities to build connections. After all, there is little chance of anyone remembering you among hundreds of other attendees at a conference or trade show. By handing over a business card, you get to exchange your contact details to improve the likelihood of future communications.
If you do not have enough cards to carry, get them printed well in advance. Using high-quality paper and a design that stands out is also worthwhile.
Work on your body language
Did you know that 55% of communication takes place through body language? Your posture and general physical gestures and movements can attract or detract people. Therefore, paying close attention to them will pay off in networking environments.
For instance,
- Use open gestures,
- Make eye contact,
- Smile,
- Practice a firm handshake,
- Stand tall yet relaxed,
- Keep your hands visible,
- Avoid fidgeting.
Make the best use of your time
A day-long event may seem enough to make plenty of introductions. However, you will be surprised how fast time passes once the event proceedings begin.
This is why you must make the most of your time to maximize the available networking opportunities. Arrive early to familiarize yourself with the venue and get a head start on meeting people.
Be prepared to stay back after the event is officially over to catch up with anyone remaining. Also, keep interactions short and schedule lengthy discussions to a later date.
Get your elevator pitch ready
Opportunities to make an impression with critical stakeholders are rare. When you get one, you must know exactly what to say within the shortest possible time. Preparing ahead with an elevator pitch is useful in those moments to ensure you concisely convey the right information.
Be a good listener
Listening is a critical skill for building meaningful connections. Encouraging others to speak and showing genuine interest in what they say signals that you value their views and opinions. Besides, by listening, you also get to know people better and nurture relationships more effectively.
Give, not take
When meeting new people, focus on helping them by, for example, sharing your expertise, providing advice and insights, or introducing them to important contacts. All these practices will enable you to demonstrate how you can add value and become resourceful—benefits of which you can reap in the years to come.
Set the stage for follow-ups
Once the event is over, follow-ups are necessary to nurture relationships. Reaching out to your new connections post-event will be easier if you can create the right reasons to do so during your first interactions with them.
For instance, let them know you will be in touch to,
- Share an insightful industry report,
- Set up a meeting to explore business opportunities,
- Add them to your newsletter,
- Connect on social media.
To conclude
Networking comes naturally to some people. Others may need to make an extra effort. Either way, approaching business networking events with a plan will guarantee better outcomes.
With our proven tips, you can make your next trade show, conference, or any other networking opportunity an effective one and build connections in a meaningful way.