What do you do if your networking event in negotiation lacks key components for success?

2 Adapt Strategy

Once you've identified the missing elements, it's time to adapt your strategy. If the key decision-makers are absent, pivot towards making connections with their representatives or with other attendees who may provide valuable introductions later on. Lack of resources like private meeting spaces might mean you'll have to be more creative in finding quiet corners for discussions. The key is to remain flexible and open to altering your planned course of action to fit the new circumstances.

3 Leverage Skills

Your negotiation skills become even more vital when a networking event doesn't offer the ideal setup. Use your active listening abilities to understand the interests of others and find common ground. Employ empathy to build rapport and trust, which can lead to more fruitful negotiations. Even if the event isn't perfect, your ability to communicate effectively and persuade others can help you turn the situation to your advantage.

4 Engage Proactively

Don't wait for opportunities to come to you at a subpar networking event—engage proactively. Approach people with a friendly demeanor and an interest in what they have to say. Offer insights or help where you can, as this can foster goodwill and make others more inclined to assist you in return. By taking the initiative, you ensure that you're not leaving the event empty-handed, regardless of its shortcomings.

5 Create Opportunities

If the event isn't providing the opportunities you need, create them yourself. This could mean setting up a follow-up meeting with a new contact or proposing a collaboration that aligns with both of your interests. Be innovative and suggest ways to stay in touch that will benefit all parties involved. By being resourceful and proactive, you can build bridges that lead to successful negotiations down the line.

6 Reflect & Learn

Finally, use this experience as a learning opportunity. Reflect on what worked and what didn't, and consider how you could better prepare for future events that might lack key components for success. This reflection can help refine your negotiation and networking strategies, ensuring that you're better equipped to handle similar situations in the future and can maximize the potential of every event you attend.

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?