How can you build your professional network at industry events?

Get business cards printed. The physical business card is still highly effective. Work the room and have you elevator pitch practiced and handy. Do not force it; small talk first. Don't get bogged down in a group for too long. You can also always go back to newfound buddies after you have made your way around.

Contrarian view - Don't get business cards printed. Hear me out... you're in front of a prospect, you nailed your pitch and just at the end, when they go; "do you have a business card?", you say yes, and then it's lost. You give them your contact and info and that's it, no way of getting their info. Here's an idea that's helped me avoid this situation every time... instead, I just use a simple excuse like; "I'm sorry, I'm all out for tonight, do you?" or, "I'm sorry, I don't, what's best email or phone number for you? I'll be sure to send you an email with all my info." Now YOU have control over your destiny and have all the info to properly follow up. The only real time the above didn't work was when I attended a speed networking event.

For follow-up after events, one should: 1 - Send a follow-up message within 24 hours. 2 - Connect on LinkedIn. 3 - Set up a one-on-one meeting. 4 - Write notes. 5 - Keep it short. 6 - Stay connected.

In building my professional network, I've found success in selectively choosing events that align with my career goals and interests. I prioritize events where the speakers and topics resonate with my professional journey. This approach has consistently led me to relevant and enriching networking opportunities. Additionally, seeking recommendations from colleagues and mentors has been invaluable. They've often pointed me towards events that have proved beneficial. What has really worked for me is not just attending these events, but actively engaging with attendees and speakers. This proactive approach has been key in expanding and strengthening my professional network.

Embarking on building your professional network starts with carefully selecting events aligned with your interests, goals, and experience level. Avoid investing time and resources in events that may be irrelevant, overly advanced, or too basic for your needs. Conduct thorough research on the event's speakers, topics, agenda, and attendees to pinpoint those that provide the most value and opportunities for your professional growth. Seek recommendations and feedback from colleagues, mentors, or online communities to refine your choices. This strategic approach ensures that the events you attend are tailored to your specific needs, enhancing the likelihood of meaningful connections and valuable insights.

Once you've chosen the events you'll attend, thorough preparation is key. Start by setting clear objectives—whether it's acquiring new skills or finding potential mentors. Conduct comprehensive research on the speakers, organizers, and attendees to pinpoint individuals you want to connect with. Utilize various platforms, including social media, websites, blogs, or podcasts, to delve into their backgrounds and work. Craft thoughtful questions, comments, or compliments for those you intend to meet. Practice your elevator pitch, a succinct introduction outlining who you are and what you do. Plan your schedule, budget, and logistics for the events, ensuring you check venue details, dress codes, and agendas in advance.

It’s very important to research about the event so that you engage meaningfully. You need to also be intentional on what you want to achieve or learn from the event. After the event you should have a post analysis to see what you achieved against objectives. This analysis will also inform way forward on networks built at the event and next steps.

Prior to the event, prepare an elevator pitch highlighting your skills, achievements, and what you seek to gain from networking. Bring an ample supply of business cards and any necessary materials to share your work or expertise. Additionally, familiarize yourself with current industry trends and topics to engage in meaningful conversations.

Always remember, first impressions last. It is importan to make a first lasting impression. This can be done by effectively introducing yourself with confidence. Prepare to tell others who you are by preparing a brief statement about yourself. This statement should include your complete name, your company or target industry and a key detail about yourself. If you feel you will be nervous or are having a hard time picking a key detail. Phone a colleague, ask them for suggestions and practice your introduction with them.

In this stage, after knowing what the attendees needs, I start thinking in different ways to help them break down the problem in the table and start working on it. Prepare all the resources needed for the event

I agree that being both proactive and friendly are vital to building an appropriate network, but often at networking events there’s a lot of drinking and joking, so be very clear that you are there in a professional capacity. That can mean maybe having a glass of wine, but from there, making sure that you’re not over utilizing the alcohol as a way to becoming someone else. Showing up authentically is the best, possible way to be seen as a professional and alcohol in those regards will do you no favors. Being the best version of you requires ALL of you and all of your faculties running optimally.

Authentic curiosity is key here. Be yourself and be ready to learn from others!

I found it highly effective to be a giver, not a taker. Most people are there to for their own benefit. When you come from the approach of helping others, you stand out by being different, and coming from contribution. Perhaps you can bring two parties together who could be if it from each other, in which case, you made two allies who will remember what you did for them and they will want to help you.

You can’t just show up for events you have to be an active participant. Beyond that, a friendly smile can open up so many doors.

When following up with networking contacts, do your research and look for overlapping interests. Find what matters to them and then find a way to meaningfully connect with them on that topic. This may look like sharing an article that aligns to their topic of interest or learning a few things about that topic and coming prepared with questions to ask. Show your interest in them first and build trust and and relationship instead of diving into what you want out the gate. When people are genuinely invested in you because of the relationship you've built, it will open more doors in the long run.

In my experience, a quick LinkedIn message does the trick. But it has to be immediately (that evening or the next day)! The fortune is in the follow-up. I think it's also important to know what to follow up with. Not every connection is an opportunity. Sometimes, it's purely adding someone new to your Network. Just make sure you do it right away!

Assurer le suivi d’un premier contact avec une personne sur un événement professionnel est important si et seulement si nous l’avons sélectionné. Développer son réseau à tout va est nettement moins efficace que de choisir celles et ceux qui pourront partager de la valeur avec les membres de notre réseau relationnel. Il est donc judicieux de réfléchir à des critères affinitaires et utilitaires avant de tisser des liens.

This! So much this! Many people take business cards and badge scans and do nothing with them outside of a few follow up emails (if that) Reach out on LinkedIn because you saw an article you wanted to share because it reminded you of the conversation you all had at the event you met at. Remember the life facts they share with you, and reach out asking how that college move in went, or if their kiddo did well at the up coming track meet, or how’s the new house they were moving into? Remembering the small details and showing genuine interest can help you stand out more than you may realize.

The significance of promptly following up after a networking event. It involves expressing gratitude for the time and engagement during the event, referencing specific points from your conversation to personalise the message, and reiterating your interest in continuing the connection. Additionally, providing any promised information or resources promptly showcases reliability. Suggesting potential next steps, such as scheduling follow-up meetings helps transition from the initial interaction to a more enduring professional relationship. In essence, a timely and thoughtful follow-up reinforces your commitment, professionalism, and genuine interest in cultivating meaningful connections established during the event.

More of this! This is an important piece when looking to formulate an form of a connection, but it also must work both ways. Often times people will just hand out contact information or business cards because they feel it’s the thing to do. When in fact someone may truly be looking to build their professional network. This will maintain and strengthen your relationships, and can even create more opportunities for collaboration, learning, or referrals. Keeping in touch can create a positive impression and establish the rapport of a new relationship. It’s important to always be intentional and set the right intentions on both ends.

Ascertain from the onset if your target is quantity (increasing your number of connections) or quality (making meaningful connections). If the former, by all means print business cards and hand out as you work the room or have your phone ready to send LinkedIn requests. If the latter, as part of your preparation, make note of what connections you’d like to form and actively seek them out. Have a good reason for seeking them out, this won’t be hard if you’ve done your research and you’re genuinely interested. Also volunteer to speak at the event, host a stand, publish an abstract or poster or chair a session. Any of these can serve as a memorable and tangible conversation starter that will lead to a meaningful connection.

In this open space, consider the broader nuances that contribute to effective networking and professional growth. Share anecdotes, insights, or examples that may not neatly fit into the earlier sections. Perhaps it's the importance of authenticity in networking, the value of embracing diversity in professional connections, or the significance of giving back to the community. Encourage dialogue by exploring unique facets that make networking a dynamic and multifaceted aspect of professional development. What additional considerations or stories would you like to contribute? The floor is open for a more expansive conversation on building and maintaining a thriving professional network.

Make sure you have a digital business card ready to share your contact information at networking events as most people nowadays do not carry business cards. QR codes are a great way for loading a personal contact page as well. Post event make sure to follow up with your new contacts via direct messages, connections on LinkedIn or email to make sure you keep the conversation going after the event while your interaction is fresh in their mind.

Dress nice. Be approachable. Come prepared. There is no words of advice I can give you. If I carry myself one way. You may carry yourself another way. Even if I gave you exactly what to say you have a different approach than me. Do you. It will work. Trust.

Find a common values! It’s easy to meet people and exchange contact info, but many times this relationship just doesn’t last. Finding a professional contact that has similar work values and resonates with your passion really makes the relationship more impactful and memorable. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about your new acquaintance. It allows you to learn more and it creates genuine interest in the connection.