How can you effectively network when developing robotics products?

1 Identify your goals

Before you start networking, you should have a clear idea of what you want to achieve and who you want to reach. Do you need technical advice, funding, partnerships, or exposure? Do you want to learn from others, share your knowledge, or showcase your product? Depending on your goals, you can target different types of networks, such as industry associations, academic institutions, online communities, or media outlets. Having a specific and realistic goal will help you focus your networking efforts and measure your progress.

2 Find relevant events and platforms

Once you have defined your goals, you can look for opportunities to network with people who share your interests and challenges. There are many events and platforms that cater to robotics enthusiasts and professionals, such as conferences, workshops, hackathons, competitions, webinars, podcasts, blogs, and social media groups. You can use online tools such as Eventbrite, Meetup, or LinkedIn to find and join these events and platforms. You can also ask your existing contacts for recommendations or referrals.

3 Prepare your pitch and portfolio

When you network, you want to make a good impression and convey your value proposition. Therefore, you should prepare a concise and compelling pitch that summarizes who you are, what you do, and what you offer. You should also have a portfolio that showcases your robotics product, such as a demo video, a prototype, a website, or a presentation. You can use online tools such as YouTube, Vimeo, or SlideShare to create and share your portfolio. You should also have your contact details ready, such as a business card, an email address, or a social media profile.

4 Engage and follow up

Networking is not a one-time activity, but a continuous process of building and maintaining relationships. To network effectively, you should engage with your target audience and follow up with them. You can engage by asking questions, offering feedback, sharing insights, or providing value. You can follow up by sending a thank-you note, sharing relevant resources, requesting a meeting, or inviting them to your network. You should also keep track of your contacts and interactions, such as using a spreadsheet, a CRM tool, or a networking app.

5 Be respectful and authentic

Networking is not only about what you can get from others, but also what you can give to others. To network effectively, you should be respectful and authentic. You should respect the time, privacy, and preferences of your contacts. You should not spam, pressure, or harass them. You should also be authentic and genuine. You should not lie, exaggerate, or pretend to be someone else. You should show your passion, curiosity, and personality. Networking is not a transaction, but a connection.

6 Learn and improve

Networking is a skill that you can learn and improve over time. To network effectively, you should learn from your experiences and feedback. You should evaluate your networking results and identify your strengths and weaknesses. You should also seek feedback from your contacts and mentors. You should ask them what they liked and disliked about your pitch, portfolio, or interaction. You should also ask them for suggestions on how to improve your networking skills and strategies. You should then apply what you learned and try again.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?