How to Network at LinkedIn Locals

Chances are if you don't have a personality that is the life of the party, it will be difficult for you to meet people and have engaging conversations that convert to potential customers, leads, or job opportunities.

Before we go further, I would like to emphasize the different types of networking;

1. Vertical Networking

1. Horizontal Networking

VERTICAL NETWORKING:

Vertical networking is the networking that happens with people higher than you who may not necessarily be accessible but at events such as LinkedIn Local, hosts or conveners bring director level. CEOs, country managers, and senior-level executives to inspire, share, and relate with on a personal level.

This means if you were to send them a chat or message them for mentorship; you would probably have to pay for time and LinkedIn Local gives you an opportunity to Link up with them without any gatekeepers.

HORIZONTAL NETWORKING:

Horizontal networking is the networking that happens with people at the same level or near level as you do and is easily accessible to you but at events such as LinkedIn Local, hosts or conveners bring creators, influencers, and professionals in mid-level careers who are the eyes of the system and can relate with you on a personal level.

These are the key people who are the eyes and ears of the system and who would be quick to share opportunities with you, recommend you, and give you a formidable community to thrive.

Now that we have that out of the way; how can you make networking at LinkedIn Locals help you?

1. DRESS WELL: You are going to meet new people and a good business casual dressing, calm dressing, or a well-designed native up and down for ease of movement will be helpful. Remember "The way you are dressed is the way you are addressed" It won't hurt to look good.
2. CONNECT WITH PEOPLE ON ONLINE: Immediately you are introduced to people; one of the first things to do is to ask for their LinkedIn name and connect with them. If your profile is not updated; not to worry at LinkedIn Local Bootcon we have a session for optimization for early attendees on November 11. It will function as your business card and help you reach people after the event.
3. PARTICIPATE: Some LinkedIn Local offers opportunities for game sessions and lunch. A lot of people are more relaxed when they are having some food or participating in games. Now, if you have been split into groups, introduce yourself to each other and participate together to keep the bond.
4. IT'S ALL DAY: The real networking happens after the event. This is where the real magic happens. You can take pictures and create memories for your social media content. At events such as these most hosts offer free profile picture updates for your page and you can take this as an opportunity to upgrade your headshots.
5. CONNECTING WITH PROFESSIONALS: The best shot in this instance is to take pictures with them, follow them online, tag them afterward, and send them a private message on LinkedIn. This way you don't get to forget them and their name rings a bell. If they have given you or contact or given out yours; only use them where necessary and never share another's contact without permission.
6. FOR SALESPEOPLE: Everyone is a salesman and before any event; you need to identify who in the chain of command you need to be speaking to. If you are a software salesman, you probably want to be speaking to the Chief operating officer and if you offer advertising and landing page services, your target will be Marketing Managers or Salespeople in organizations and as a job seeker, you will be looking out for recruitment personnel. Have a strategy.
7. TAKE NOTES: Events such as this invite speakers who would share insights with you that would also have cost you more if you had a one-on-one with them. As attendees ensure you take down notes that are vital for your growth and do not leave the event without connecting or taking pictures with the speakers as it helps spark excitement for you to take back home.
8. CONNECT WITH OTHER CREATORS AND INFLUENCERS: The people who grow fast on social media have a community. When you connect with other creators it allows you to build symbiotic relationships. Once they are able to identify you offline by name, it would be easy for them to interact with content are support as you grow. Don't forget to take pictures with them and share them with them as well.

These few things will help you as you prepare for the LinkedIn Local Bootcon event happening on November 11, 2023.

If you are interested in sponsoring tickets or partnering or paying for yourself then you can send an email to [email protected] or follow LinkedIn Local Bootcon for updates.

In the next article, I will share more about the special nominations, and awards and why this is part of our activities.

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