Looking to network? 3 Tips to prep like a pro!

Ahhh, networking! You know you should be doing it, but it feels awkward. Or you dislike striking up conversations with strangers.

What to do?

Read on for my three favourite ways to make networking more fun and deliver benefits to you.

The Challenge

You’re at an event where you don’t know anyone and you want to connect with other attendees. First introductions feel awkward and you don’t know how to approach people.

The Solution

You can tackle this challenge using the following three tips:

1. Set specific goals

2. Optimise the connection process

3. Prepare ahead of time for the follow-up

Set specific goals

Increase your chance of success by creating specific goals for the event. This gives you direction and concrete tasks. You’ll learn what works and what doesn’t and can create a repeatable recipe for success.

Here are some example goals and associated tasks:

• Meet five different people from technology vendors that are part of the tech stack used in your company. Tasks:

  • Prepare specific questions or topics to discuss with each vendor.

  • Visit expo hall and select vendors to approach.

  • Connect with people on LinkedIn or via email.

• Get introduced to the keynote speaker. Tasks:

  • Seek invitation to meet and greet sessions where applicable.

  • Attend keynote and meet speaker afterwards if possible.

  • Approach event staff and ask for an introduction.

• Meet fellow practitioners to discuss industry or technical topics. Tasks:

  • Visit industry or technology exhibitors throughout the event.

  • Organise industry or technical meetup at the event.

  • Seek out and attend existing meetups.

Optimise the connection process

Make it as easy as possible for others to connect with you.

LinkedIn offers a QR code people can scan from your mobile phone to go directly to your profile. You can also add your website URL or social media handles to your conference badge.

Create connections with the fewest steps possible.

Prepare ahead of time for the follow-up

You’ll probably be tired after the event. Make your life easier by planning the follow-up process ahead of time.

• What will you say in your initial messages after the conference?

• How will you capture unique information about each person you connect with?

• Do you have a specific next step, e.g. asking vendors for a presentation to your team?

Sketch these things out before the event, so you can streamline how you keep in touch afterwards. This helps continue the conversations more easily and effectively.

Next Steps

Use the above tips as you prepare for upcoming conferences and networking events.

If you’d like more tailored suggestions and introductions to specific people, hit reply and let’s discuss how I can help you reach that next level in your career.

Have a great week!

Eva