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As entrepreneurs, we have goals. It’s about growing startups and brands that impact more people with our solutions and services. This involves a number of tasks, from building a product, managing and hiring a team, finding investors, and establishing a customer base. With that in mind, who has time to network or attend events? Plus, do you know why most people hate networking at events? Because you rarely meet certain people and often feel like it’s a waste of time.
Do you know why it feels like a waste of time? Because they didn’t take the time to set conference or meetup goals or define who they were going to meet, instead leaving it to luck and chance.
I always say that no one teaches you how to network to get results. That’s why, more than a decade ago, I took on the task of building expertise and running workshops to teach professionals from all over the world how to network. That includes conferences.
I’d like to share some of my top practices to help you get the most out of your next meetup or conference. Once you attend, you’ll start to see networking events as a source of opportunity rather than a waste of time.
Related: 3 ways to get more business at networking events
1. Remember: Networking is uncomfortable for all of us, not just you.
Why is it so uncomfortable to be next to a stranger at a conference? If you can solve that, you can make the room work better. I hope this information makes you feel a little better. Based on 2020 public speaking statistics from a survey by Orai.com, 77% of the U.S. population feels some kind of anxiety about public speaking, and 90% feel some kind of “shyness.” I am reporting. This means that most people coming to the event will feel just as uncomfortable and anxious as you. But most often they put on a “mask” and do not show it.
Various studies and concepts in social psychology and cognitive neuroscience also show that when we meet new people, our brains unconsciously tell us whether they like us and whether they pose a threat. We know that it is rated as It happens in a matter of seconds, so a positive first impression is very important.
How can you build good relationships with everyone you meet? Don’t wait for people to talk to you, start them. Show them that you are open to meeting them through candid body language, smiles, and warm eyes. It’s so simple and non-verbal that it can create a better experience for both of you and could be the start of a great friendship or business partnership.
2. Set “people goals”
As mentioned earlier, most people don’t feel that networking events are effective for them because they don’t have a goal in mind for who they want to meet. A few years ago, a global businessman I was following was in Berlin for a conference. A few days ago, I sent him his LinkedIn message, letting him know he would be in town and that I would like to meet him. We set a time for the meeting, arrived at the venue at that time, met him, and headed home. Mission accomplished. And it was short, precise, and time well spent.
Before attending a conference, check to see if the topic, speakers, and attendees are the kind of people in your industry you want to meet. Next, find out who will be attending and set a goal that you must meet at least two of your girlfriends at the conference. Make sure you do what you need to do to meet them and don’t leave the room before then. That way, by the end of the conference, you’ll feel like you spent your time well. Don’t forget to follow up after your meeting and continue the conversation with the people you met.
Related: 10 Commandments of Networking
3. Create an “event team”
Usually at a conference you meet old acquaintances, meet new people, and even attend with another “wingman/woman.” To meet the people you want to get to know, you need to be everywhere and see everything. But how? By creating your own “team of events” you increase your chances of connecting with the right people.
With a little planning, a lot of goodwill, and two steps, it can happen. It will look like this:
stage 1: Ask everyone you meet, whether it’s a new acquaintance or an old friend, at some point in the conversation: “Who do you want to meet at this conference? I might meet them, I might know them, and I could introduce you both.”
stage 2: Then they might ask you the same question. If not, just say: “By the way, I want to connect with people in the community. [sector] If you see someone, please introduce them. ” They’ll usually say, “Yes, that’s right!”
So? If you meet someone you’d like to meet as well, introduce them during or after the event. Some of them will do the same for you. This will help you build a team that thinks about your needs as much as you think about theirs, increasing your chances of receiving relevant referrals during and after the conference. In fact, this is what networking is all about: a mutually beneficial relationship that helps both parties grow.
Related: How to network for people who hate networking
In conclusion, to master the art of networking at conferences, it’s important to plan your actions strategically and set clear goals, not just attend the event. By being proactive, starting conversations, and connecting with others, you can transform networking from a perceived waste of time to a powerful tool for professional growth.
Remember: Conference attendees are all looking for meaningful connections, just like you. A thoughtful approach can make your meeting experience truly impactful. By incorporating these techniques, your next conference will become more than just an event, but a stepping stone to your professional success and company growth.
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