How can you make a great first impression at a Change Management networking event?

Forget wanting to make an impression ? Focus on wanting to learn from the event, from the people. Ask questions, show your interest, listen, listen, listen and share your brilliant ideas. Come prepared, but stay genuine and curious. If you keep on wanting to make an impression, you will look like someone wanting to make an impression. But the wrong one. Good luck!

Making a great first impression at a Change Management networking event is crucial for establishing credibility and building valuable connections. I can suggest the following 5 things based on my experience. 1. Develop a concise and engaging elevator pitch. Clearly articulate your background, skills, and passion for driving successful change initiatives. 2. Approach conversations with a genuine interest in others. Ask open-ended questions about their experiences and actively listen. 3. Research the attendees/speakers in advance. Knowing their background allows you to tailor your conversations and demonstrate your interest in their work. 4. Share specific success stories. 5. After the event, follow up with individuals you connected with.

We tend to underappreciate the value of cultural intelligence in networking. Researching an event is more than just knowing the agenda; it's about understanding the cultural nuances and values of the participants. This approach has enabled me to connect deeply and meaningfully, fostering genuine relationships that go beyond professional interactions.

Be authentic. Our behavior should match the intention. It's called 'Change' because it's purpose-led. Change leaders/agents are out there for a cause. Know the fabric of the event & your reason for being there, act accordingly. One could lead, sponsor, participate, make new prospects, learn, observe, cheer or just sit. Networks are the nodes, there should be more after such events to maximize the impact, like anti-nodes.

I recently had the opportunity to attend an event perfectly aligned with my target audience: all major Belgian banks were represented among the attendees. The primary focus of the event was to showcase fintech innovations. While fintech itself wasn't my main interest—no offense to the fintech world—the occasion was invaluable for connecting with representatives from various banks. Engaging in discussions about recent discoveries and common interests in the banking sector was the highlight for me. This experience underscored the importance of selecting events with the right audience, enabling meaningful exchanges and new connections within my industry.

This is solid advice. You are your own brand, make sure what you are saying and doing is representing the whole picture of you and the impact you can make at any organization. Also, remember the importance of offering something that could benefit those you want to engage and connect with. Authenticity, service, confidence and ambition can go a long way.

As a Positive Leadership Coach, I advocate for authenticity in every pitch. My approach involves sharing not just my professional journey, but also how my personal values of love, gratitude, and kindness drive my work in change management. This resonates well, as it highlights not just expertise, but the human element crucial in navigating change.

Here is my approach to make a stellar first impression at a Change Management networking event - Showcase genuine enthusiasm - Engage authentically with others - Highlight relevant experiences - Articulate your passion - Practice Actively listen - Demonstrate curiosity Remember, authenticity and a positive attitude leave a lasting impact in the field of change management.

Be Open to Sharing & Collaborating ?? Be ready to share real experiences and examples from the transformation programmes, you have been a part of, while taking care of confidentiality. Change Management is an area where resources are important. Collaboration is the key in OCM. Be willing to share resources with people like templates, models used, guidebooks etc with your network. There are multiple types of Changes which happen in an organisation like ERP Migration, Mergers & Acquisition, Rebadging, Culture Transformation etc. If you have unique insights on all of them or any of them, talk about it. (Collective Growth of OCM will also help people in seeing the value in it, which is often taken for granted)

Make a great first impression at a Change Management networking event by having a clear and concise elevator pitch. Demonstrate genuine interest in others by actively listening and asking thoughtful questions. Dress professionally and maintain confident body language. Bring business cards and exchange contact information. Share relevant insights or experiences that showcase your expertise. Be approachable, friendly, and open to building meaningful connections. Follow up promptly after the event to express gratitude and continue the conversation. A positive and authentic first impression lays the foundation for successful networking in Change Management.

I've always believed that your attire should reflect your personal brand. Dressing appropriately means aligning with the event's culture while staying true to your personal style - a balance that conveys professionalism and approachability, essential in any networking event professionalism and approachability, essential in any networking event.

Mit der Kleidung sollten Sie in die Menge passen. Gleichzeitig Empfehle ich einen Hingucker zu haben z.B. eine Kreative Jobbezeichnung am Namensschild die neugierig macht und ins Gespr?ch bringt.

“Think of me like Yoda, but instead of being little and green, I wear suits and I am awesome. I’m your bro. I’m Broda.” Barney Stinson. More seriously , take it cool and stay as you are.

Understand the Event: Consider the event's nature and the audience. Is it formal, casual, or business-casual? Look for any dress code guidelines mentioned in the event invitation or on the event website. Dress Comfortably and Authentically: While it's essential to dress appropriately, it's equally important to feel comfortable and authentic in what you wear. Your attire should reflect your personal style while meeting the event's expectations. Avoid Extreme Styles: Steer clear of clothing that is too casual (like beachwear or gym attire), too formal (like evening gowns or tuxedos for casual events), or overly flashy (loud patterns, excessive accessories).

Positivity and politeness are key in making lasting impressions. Drawing from my Chief Happiness Officer certification, I advocate for a demeanor that's engaging and empathetic, creating an environment of psychological safety. This approach has consistently opened doors for deeper, more meaningful conversations in networking settings.

Along with being positive and polite, I believe it is important to be confident (without being too confident) as a confident mindset will help create a strong first impression when meeting people. It is also my belief that part of creating a strong first impression is displaying curiosity. Being prepared to listen to people, asking questions and demonstrating a desire to learn is something I really value and try to bring whenever creating a first impression

Seien Sie zudem auch Authentisch. Verhalten Sie sich so, dass das gegenüber einen positiven Spinn bekommt und gerne an das Gespr?ch mit Ihnen zurückdenkt.

Positive Attitude: Approach interactions with a positive and open-minded attitude. Smile genuinely, maintain good posture, and exhibit a welcoming demeanor. Politeness and Respect: Show respect by being courteous, using polite language, and acknowledging others' contributions or viewpoints. Treat everyone with respect, regardless of their position or background. Effective Communication: Engage in active listening and maintain good eye contact while conversing. Ask open-ended questions to show interest in others' perspectives and experiences.

Prompt follow-up is crucial. Reflecting on my coaching experiences, I strive to make my follow-ups personalized and impactful. Whether it's recalling a specific discussion point or offering a relevant resource, the goal is to continue the journey of mutual growth and learning beyond the initial meeting.

Remind and Reconnect: Reinforce the memory of your interaction by briefly reminding them of who you are and what you discussed during the event. Reference specific details or topics you talked about to personalize your message. Propose Next Steps: Suggest a clear next step to continue the conversation or collaboration. It could be a request for a follow-up meeting, sharing a relevant resource or article, connecting on LinkedIn or other social platforms, or offering assistance based on their interests or needs.

In this space, you have the opportunity to stand out by promptly delivering a message that adds value, the day after. Take direct action by sharing an article relevant to the discussion, and soliciting feedback, creating the next step of the discussion.

Stand out at a Change Management networking event by initiating conversations about shared challenges and successes in the industry. Instead of merely discussing your achievements, actively listen to others' experiences, and offer practical insights. This will not only showcases your expertise but also establishes a foundation for future professional relationships.

At any networking event, it's best to attend solo and focus on connecting with the people you encounter. Should you come across someone familiar, briefly greet them with small talk, then prioritize meeting individuals you haven't met before.

The key here is to be You. Be the original You. Don't pretend to be someone else. Highlight what you have to offer, what your strengths are, what your weaknesses are, what you want to learn, but be subtle and do not come across as bragging or boasting about yourself. Practice active listening and hear others' perspectives. Train yourself to hear opposing views and not become defensive.

Be authentic. People can smell inauthenticity from a mile away! Genuine connections are built on authenticity, so let your true self shine and build relationships that stand the test of sincerity.