How do you cultivate your event planning contacts?

1 Know your goals

Before you reach out to potential contacts, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve. Do you want to learn from their experience, collaborate on a project, or get a referral? Having a specific goal will help you craft a personalized and relevant message that shows your interest and value. It will also help you avoid wasting time and energy on contacts that are not aligned with your vision and mission.

2 Research your contacts

Once you have identified your goals, you need to do some research on your contacts. Find out what they do, what they are passionate about, and what challenges they face. This will help you tailor your communication and offer something of value to them. For example, you can share a relevant article, invite them to an event, or introduce them to someone who can help them. Researching your contacts will also help you avoid awkward or inappropriate interactions that could damage your reputation.

3 Follow up and follow through

After you have initiated contact, you need to follow up and follow through. This means keeping in touch, showing appreciation, and delivering on your promises. For example, if you say you will send them some information, do it as soon as possible. If you receive a favor, thank them and offer to return it. If you agree to meet, be punctual and prepared. Following up and following through will help you build trust and credibility with your contacts and show them that you are serious and reliable.

4 Be generous and genuine

One of the best ways to cultivate your event planning contacts is to be generous and genuine. This means offering your help, advice, feedback, and referrals without expecting anything in return. It also means being honest, respectful, and authentic in your interactions. Don't pretend to be someone you are not, don't make false promises, and don't take advantage of your contacts. Be generous and genuine and you will attract more contacts who share your values and vision.

5 Seek and provide mentorship

Another way to cultivate your event planning contacts is to seek and provide mentorship. Mentorship is a mutually beneficial relationship where you can learn from each other, share insights, and support each other's growth. You can seek mentorship from someone who has more experience, knowledge, or skills than you in a specific area. You can also provide mentorship to someone who is new to the industry, has a similar goal, or needs guidance. Seek and provide mentorship and you will enrich your network and your career.

6 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?