Before, During and After a Conference – A Business Development Opportunity Not to be Missed!

Many of the people I coach are now going back to attending conferences in-person. What most fail to realize, however, is how important it is to prepare and follow-up from this business development opportunity.?So, as you attend conferences in-person, here are some things to remember.

Before You Go

1.??????If you are presenting, let your contacts know you are going to the meeting and presenting. Send personal emails, make calls, post on your firm website and post on social media. Make sure your presentation is complete with no typos and can be seen well by attendees in the room.

2.??????Reach out to your contacts and ask if they are going to be there and set up a time to chat if they attend – coffee breaks, lunch, drink and or dinners always work well.

3.??????If you can get the attendee list, check who’s attending and make a list of people that you want to try to introduce yourself to – if you have their contact information and can reach out with a value proposition that entices them to meet with you at the meeting.

At the Conference

1.??????Connect with people.?Whether in the coffee line, in the reception, or sitting in a room waiting for presentation, introduce yourself. You may feel nervous about it, but others do as well. Reach out and introduce yourself.?Seek out people in a large room that might be standing by themselves – they also are looking for connections.?Slowly walk up to a group of people chatting and when there is a pause in the discussion introduce yourself. One of the phrases I always use is “I am new to this conference, and I don’t know anyone here, can I join your group?”?

2.??????Sign up for social activities where you can meet people – dine-arounds, fun runs/walks etc.

3.??????If you find you don’t have evening plans, make a reservation at a local restaurant – OpenTable is a great app for that – book a table and if you are at a reception and see some people that you are interested in connecting with them ask if they want to join you for dinner – they can always say no, but they might say yes – you don’t have to pay their way, but they would probably appreciate being asked especially if they are alone at the meeting and have nothing to do in the evening.

4.??????If you are speaking.?Introduce yourself to people as they are waiting for the talk to start. Introduce yourself to fellow panelists if you haven’t met them before.

Following the Meeting

1.??????Connect with people that you met that you want to stay in contact with – easiest is through Linked-in – don’t wait more than a week to do follow-up otherwise they will forget you.?

2.??????If you are speaking, see if you can get the attendee list of people so that you can thank them for attending.

3.??????Send specific information of value to contacts you made – I always write handwritten notes which sets me apart from people – make it memorable.

4.??????Make sure your best prospects are included in your follow-up contact – sending papers, inviting to webinars etc.?Always provide value.