Here's how you can master networking and relationship-building at industry conferences and events.

Dominar o networking em conferências e eventos do setor come?a com uma prepara??o cuidadosa: pesquise quem estará presente e estabele?a objetivos claros. Aproxime-se com autenticidade, mostrando interesse genuíno nas conversas. Fa?a perguntas abertas para fomentar diálogos profundos e significativos. Troque contatos e fa?a follow-ups personalizados para fortalecer as conex?es. Por fim, participe regularmente desses eventos para manter e expandir sua rede de relacionamentos ao longo do tempo.

La preparación previa a cualquier evento de networking es esencial para sacarle el máximo provecho a cada encuentro. Conocer el contexto, los participantes y los temas clave nos permite tener conversaciones más auténticas y significativas. Esto no solo aumenta nuestra confianza, sino que también fortalece nuestras conexiones profesionales.

It's easy to get overwhelmed approaching a networking event or to put lots of pressure on ourselves to meet people. This is especially challenging for introverts. Instead of feeling that you have to talk to dozens of people, focus instead on having fewer, more interesting conversations. Approaching someone who may be standing by themselves can be an easier way to start. Being genuinely curious and interested about them - why they are there, what they are hoping to accomplish, what they are learning - can take your focus off yourself. You may make a new friend as a result or at least learn a little more about someone else.

A great framework to practice listening is the 4 Levels of Listening from Otto Scharmer. Try to practice listening on level 3 - empathic dialogue. Really try to put yourself in the other person's shoes and truly understand their perspective. Don't think about what you want to say next. Just listen and genuinely connect on a deeper level with the person. I will tell you, it will make a huge difference!

Al prestar atención genuina a los demás, demuestra respeto y empatía, creando una conexión auténtica. En lugar de pensar en su próxima respuesta, enfoque su energía en comprender realmente a la persona. Esta habilidad no solo mejora la calidad de las interacciones, sino que también hace que sus interlocutores se sientan valorados, facilitando relaciones más profundas y colaborativas a largo plazo.

Puedo dar fe que compartir historias personales, es una excelente manera de conectar con los demás en eventos de networking. Estas historias, cuando son concisas, relevantes y transmiten nuestra propuesta de valor única, son recordadas mucho más que los hechos o argumentos de venta. Al compartir anécdotas que ilustren nuestra experiencia profesional, podemos hacer que nuestras interacciones destaquen y resuenen con nuestra audiencia.

Beyond sharing personal stories which definitely helps connect to a new contact, be sure to ask them about themselves first. Being curious about learning about the person you are engaging with is the best way to network.

Networking doesn't have to be sales-y or gimmicky. It should be about building a network of real people. When I go to a networking event, strike up a conversation, and trade contact info, I send them a message on the spot, "It was great meeting at X event and talking about Y." Then I make a list of the folks who could be potential future collaborators, employers or clients and I'll reach out to them a couple of days later with a tailored audio or video message. I might tell them about an upcoming offering, share an idea for collaboration, or invite them to connect via virtual chat using my booking tool. I keep track of people's interests and keep the relationship warm by letting them know when I see something that makes me think of them.

Envíe un mensaje personalizado que mencione puntos específicos de su conversación inicial. Esto muestra que prestó atención y que valora la relación. Proponga un próximo paso concreto, como una reunión o llamada. Este enfoque proactivo y personalizado refuerza la conexión y demuestra su compromiso con el desarrollo de relaciones profesionales significativas y duraderas.

To effectively leverage online platforms for networking, start by updating your professional profiles on LinkedIn, Twitter, and relevant industry-specific networks. Engage with event hashtags and comment on posts to increase your visibility. Share your insights and experiences related to the event to position yourself as an active participant. Follow up with new contacts by sending personalized connection requests, mentioning something specific from your conversation. Use platforms like LinkedIn to join groups related to the event or industry, where you can continue discussions and share valuable content. Regularly posting and interacting online will keep you connected and ensure that your network remains active and engaged.

La inclusión es clave en cualquier esfuerzo de creación de redes. Creo firmemente en la importancia de buscar diversas perspectivas y conectar con profesionales en diferentes etapas de sus carreras. Al hacerlo, no solo ampliamos nuestra red de contactos, sino que también enriquecemos nuestro conocimiento y comprensión de la industria. La inclusión crea un entorno de colaboración y apoyo mutuo, lo cual es fundamental para el crecimiento personal y profesional.

Esta diversidad no solo amplía su red, sino que también enriquece su perspectiva con nuevas ideas y conocimientos. La inclusión promueve un entorno colaborativo y de apoyo, esencial para una comunidad profesional vibrante y exitosa. Al valorar todas las voces, construimos redes más fuertes y resilientes.

Start by setting clear objectives and targets for each event. Research attendees and speakers beforehand to identify key contacts. Engage in meaningful conversations, focusing on building genuine connections rather than simply exchanging business cards. Actively listen and ask open-ended questions to demonstrate interest. Follow up promptly after the event with personalized messages to nurture relationships further. Attend relevant workshops and panels to expand your knowledge and network. Finally, don’t forget to follow up and maintain connections beyond the event for lasting professional relationships.