How can you make the most of a networking webinar?

1 Choose the right webinars

Before you sign up for a networking webinar, do some research on the topic, the speaker, and the audience. You want to choose webinars that are relevant to your industry, goals, and interests. You also want to check the format, the agenda, and the expected outcomes of the webinar. This will help you decide if the webinar is worth your time and how you can contribute to the discussion.

2 Prepare your introduction

One of the key benefits of networking webinars is that you can introduce yourself to a large number of people in a short time. However, you need to make a good impression and stand out from the crowd. That's why you should prepare a concise and compelling introduction that summarizes who you are, what you do, and what value you offer. You can use this introduction when you join the webinar, when you participate in breakout sessions, or when you chat with other attendees.

3 Engage with the speaker and the attendees

During the webinar, don't just sit back and listen. Be proactive and interact with the speaker and the attendees. You can ask relevant questions, share your insights, offer feedback, or express appreciation. You can also use the chat feature or the social media hashtags to connect with other participants and exchange ideas. This will help you build rapport, demonstrate your expertise, and expand your network.

4 Take notes and record contacts

As you attend the webinar, make sure you take notes and record contacts. You can use a notebook, a spreadsheet, or a CRM tool to keep track of the key points, the resources, and the contacts you make. You can also use a screen capture tool or a recording software to save the webinar for future reference. This will help you review what you learned, remember who you met, and identify potential opportunities.

5 Follow up after the webinar

The webinar is not the end of your networking journey. It's the beginning of a relationship that you need to nurture and grow. That's why you should follow up with the speaker and the attendees after the webinar. You can send a thank-you email, a LinkedIn request, or a social media message. You can also share your feedback, your takeaways, or your action steps. This will help you stay in touch, show your interest, and add value.

6 Keep the conversation going

Finally, don't let the conversation die after the follow-up. Keep the conversation going by staying in touch with your new contacts, sharing relevant content, offering support, or inviting them to other webinars. You can also join online communities, groups, or forums related to the webinar topic and continue the discussion. This will help you maintain the relationship, build trust, and create opportunities.

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?