Thom Singer's Top 5 Tips For Better Networking At Live Events

Networking is more important than ever before. We live in a world that is overrun with "likes, links, shares, and follows", but to what end? People still do business with those they know, like and trust, and we can't get there via clicks. It doesn't matter which generation you come from, the secret to success is connected to how well you can relate to and connect to others.

I am proclaiming 2019 "The Year of Human Engagement" and working to help others reach their potential through how they engage with people. There are more live networking events than ever before, and the little things you do when attending one of these conferences can have a life-long impact.

Showing up at an event does not mean that any meaningful connections will occur. We need to get proactive about relationships, and those who succeed at building true connections will find more opportunities.

Get back to the basics of networking. Make people your secret weapon and then cultivate long-term business relationships.

Thom Singer's Top 5 Tips For Networking at Live Events:

1. Have a plan. Determine in advance whom you want to meet at the event. Do not leave your networking to chance. Reach out to peers, vendors, speakers, and others before you arrive and schedule a meet up. Other people attend live events for the same reason (to make connections), but you have to have a purpose for the meeting and it cannot be one-sided. The best plans take time to coordinate, so set aside time to really understand who you want to connect with and what makes this meeting a win/win for everyone involved.

2. Bring plenty of business cards. In today’s digital world, this advice often gets an eye-roll. Some argue against the importance of business cards, but having a physical card is not about YOU, it is for the other person (and making their life easier should they desire to follow up later). Many people forget names quickly and asking for a card will allow them to recall your details. Telling someone “Google Me” is making them have to do all the work to start a follow up action. Plus, you many not be as memorable as you think, and if they can't recall your name, you may miss opportunities they could share. Not carrying business cards is self-centered (I am too important to let the riffraff have my contact info), so if you are serious about mutually beneficial connections, be ready to provide your details.

3. Ask questions of people you meet. Never lead with your "elevator pitch". Too many people think their first engagement with someone has to be to present themselves and start a memorable self-focused pitch. People are more interested in themselves than they are in you, so ask them questions to help them get to talking.The more you can have them to talk about their business, the more engaged they will be with you when it is your turn to share your information. Try to ask two or three open-ended questions of people that will let them see you are interested in more than just trying to tell your story. A great question is "why did you decide to attend this event?" as it will help you find common ground.

4. Put your technology away. Have you ever been in a conversation with someone who is constantly checking their phone? Do you feel they are engaged or even care about what you are saying? While in social situations with people, make a conscious choice to "Choose People". When you are glancing at electronics you send the message that you are not focused on what they have to say. Utilize the time at events to converse with other humans who are present. Your Facebook feed or email will still be there when the event is over, but if you do have important business happening that you must monitor, walk away from the group to check your phone. This sends a message that you think the event is important, but that you have something important to attend to quickly. It is always seen as rude or aloof, not as efficient multi-tasking, when you are not paying attention to the person you are talking with in a live setting.

5. Follow up. Networking does not happen at the event. Networking is an ongoing process that begins afterward. If you meet interesting people and you never follow up, it makes no difference that you ever met in the first place. Meeting someone once does not make them part of your network, it makes them someone you have met once. Own the follow up after the conference and send positive email (or better yet, a handwritten note or phone call) telling them how much you enjoyed talking with them, and plan for future discussions. Do not immediately add everyone you meet to your email list, as most likely they did not exchange contact info to get your newsletter. Most people hate getting added to lists, but have no problem adding others to their email campaigns.

6. Do more than others expect from you. (Yes, I realize it said "5 Tips"... look closely at #6). Bring more to the new relationship than the other person expects and they will always remember you as someone who is looking for a mutually beneficial relationship. Think about who you can introduce them to with whom they can do business or who can solve their ongoing problems. Do not treat the connection as one sided. If you want to "get", you have to "give" first. Those who look to assist others always receive more opportunities down the line.

Get back to basics in your networking efforts. Treat live interactions as more valuable than adding a name to your LinkedIn, and you will build more business connections. While digital networking and social media tools are wonderful, to get ahead you have to establish real relationships, and that takes effort.

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Thom Singer is an engaging keynote speaker and professional master of ceremonies. He has written twelve books, and is the host of the "Cool Things Entrepreneurs Do" podcast. If your company is hosting a live multi-day conference, consider having "The Conference Catalyst" as part of your event to ensure that all attendees maximize the potential of attending the event. www.ThomSinger.com