Unlocking Opportunities: How Conference Networking Transformed My Career

Just when I was about to give up on becoming a professional speaker, I committed to one final action that changed everything and ultimately the direction of my life.?

Let me step back a moment.

Did you know that a staggering 85% of jobs ?are filled through networking? Your connections are often the key to unlocking career advancement, landing new clients, and discovering hidden opportunities. But here's the kicker: it's not just about who you know; it's about how diverse your network is. Bridging social capital—connecting with people outside your usual circles—is where the real magic happens.

Think of it like this: if everyone in your network has the same background, experiences, and perspectives, you all have access to the same set of resources and opportunities. Nothing is new. A study by LinkedIn found that individuals with diverse networks are three times more likely to find a new job and twice as likely to receive a promotion. This powerful form of networking not only broadens your horizons but also enriches your professional journey with fresh perspectives and insights.

When I was just starting my speaking career, I didn’t know these stats about networking, but intuitively, I knew the value of meeting new people. With this gut feeling, the pivotal decision I made at what was going to be my last speaking conference was to introduce myself to every other speaker there. There were at least 30 other speakers present. Networking and sharing my story with them turned out to be a game-changer. One of the speakers invited me to present at his upcoming program in Texas. This single opportunity allowed me to showcase my skills and significantly grow my career from that point onward, as I landed three more paid speaking engagements from there.

But what about you? What possible big career opportunities are waiting for you on the other side of effective conference networking?

To help you out, here are six specific and critical actions I use to leverage my conferences to expand my social capital and reap the rewards of a strong network:

1. Be a Seat Nomad: Make it a goal to never sit in the same seat during sessions. Mix it up, move around, meet new people, and strike up conversations. You never know who you might find yourself sitting next to.
2. Embrace the Downtime: Those breaks between sessions aren't just for coffee refills. They're prime networking time! Use those moments to chat with fellow attendees, exchange ideas, and forge new connections. Many people find that the moments between the moments are the best part of a conference.
3. Volunteer Your Time: Want to really get involved? Sign up as a conference volunteer. It's a fantastic way to meet organizers, speakers, and other attendees while contributing to the event's success.
4. Show Up for the After-Party: Conferences aren't just about the daytime sessions. Evening events offer a more relaxed atmosphere for networking and building relationships. Don't miss out on these valuable opportunities to connect on a more personal level.
5. Close the Laptop, Open Your Mind: Resist the urge to check emails or browse the web during sessions. Be present, engage with the content, and make eye contact with those around you. You'll be more approachable and make a stronger impression.
6. Break Free from Your Comfort Zone: It's easy to stick with the colleagues you came with, but conferences are about expanding your horizons. Make a conscious effort to branch out and connect with new people.

Remember, building a strong network takes time and effort, but the rewards are immeasurable. The next time you attend a conference, ditch the "lone wolf" mentality and embrace the power of connection. You might just be surprised at the opportunities that unfold.