You're attending a philanthropy networking event. How do you make the most of your time there?

1 Prepare beforehand

Before you attend a philanthropy networking event, do some research on the agenda, the speakers, and the attendees. Identify your goals and objectives for the event, such as learning new skills, finding potential collaborators, or expanding your network. Prepare a brief introduction that summarizes who you are, what you do, and what you are interested in. Also, have some questions ready to ask others and spark conversations. Finally, bring your business cards, a pen, and a notebook to exchange contact information and take notes.

3 Be friendly and approachable

Philanthropy networking events are not only about exchanging information and ideas, but also about building relationships and trust. Therefore, it is important to be friendly and approachable to everyone you meet, regardless of their role, background, or level of experience. Smile, make eye contact, and use open body language. Listen actively and attentively to what others have to say, and show genuine curiosity and appreciation. Avoid dominating the conversation, interrupting, or criticizing. Instead, focus on finding common ground, sharing insights, and offering help.

4 Follow up after the event

The follow-up is a crucial step to make the most of your time at a philanthropy networking event. It is not enough to collect business cards and forget about them. You need to follow up with the people you met and establish a lasting connection. Within 24 hours of the event, send a personalized email or message to each person, reminding them of who you are and what you discussed. Express your gratitude for their time and interest, and suggest a way to keep in touch, such as scheduling a call, meeting for coffee, or joining a group or project. Also, connect with them on social media platforms, such as LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook, and engage with their content.

5 Reflect and evaluate

After you attend a philanthropy networking event, it is useful to reflect and evaluate your experience and outcomes. Ask yourself what you learned, what you enjoyed, and what you could improve. Review your notes and identify the key takeaways and action items. Assess how well you achieved your goals and objectives, and what challenges or obstacles you faced. Write down your feedback and suggestions for the organizers and speakers, and share them if possible. Also, celebrate your successes and acknowledge your efforts.

6 Plan for the next event

The last tip to make the most of your time at a philanthropy networking event is to plan for the next event. Philanthropy networking events are not one-time occurrences, but rather ongoing opportunities to grow and develop your career in the sector. Therefore, you should look for other events that match your interests, goals, and needs, and register for them in advance. You should also maintain and nurture the relationships you built at the previous event, and look for ways to collaborate, support, or learn from them. By doing so, you will create a strong and diverse network of philanthropy professionals that can help you advance your career and impact.