This is a free downloadable PDF from HubSpot.
"Networking makes the professional world go around. Whether you’re trying to build up your personal brand, meet new people, find a job, close deals, find investors, or just sustainably grow your business, it always helps to form strong connections with your peers, colleagues, and customer community."
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This is a free downloadable from HubSpot. You have to provide some details such as name, email, etc but I think it's worth it for the information.
The guide contains some great tips for entrepreneurs, job seekers, and students.
Here's a few of my favourite tips:
• Don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation with any person at the conference, from speakers to fellow attendees. That’s literally why everyone is there! The first few conversations may be a little awkward, but it’ll get easier as the day goes on.
• Use events as a personal branding and growth opportunity. There’s nothing like meeting dozens (or hundreds) of new people in your industry to make you consider what makes you special — and help you figure out how to communicate it.
• Develop a strong point of view. How do you want to improve your industry? Share your story and your goals, and don’t be afraid to share learning moments as well as your proud successes.
What are your favourite networking tips?
These are practical tips, Ian. Essential and usable. Thanks for sharing.
Adding to the list, preparation is always a big one for me. And that can come in a number of forms. Here are my top 3:
a) Set yourself goals for the day/week i.e 'I want to gather x amount of names by lunch on the first day', 'By the end of the conference, I want to have x amount of names and emails', 'I want to have x amount of conversations by Tuesday morning'.
Establishing achievable goals ensures a sense of purpose and value at the conference.
b) Research who's going to be there. Scroll through your Linkedin, read some blogs and find published articles. The last thing you want to do is fly blind into a conversation with a potential business partner or customer. Know about their industry, their business and why they would be at the conference.
Of course, you're going to meet people you don't know and that could eventuate into something fruitful. However, having some names on your hit-list will ensure you make the best use of your time, as well as have you come across as well-informed.
c) Reference material. Don't leave a strong conversation without the other party having a way to contact you. Sounds silly right? Happens all the time. Business cards still have a place in the world; take a dozen with you and leave them with selective people. Connect with them on Linkedin there and then. Use QR codes as a virtual business card - I use this often at meetups and conferences. Instead of fumbling around with my phone, trying to find the Linkedin app, and then finding the person; the other party scans my QR code, and the link opens their Linkedin app on my profile page. Easy.
Prep is key folks. Good luck!
Great practical tips. Thanks for sharing .A follow up email after the networking event goes a long way.
Thank you so much for these detailed tips.I will definitely use them in a couple of events I have this month.
Good luck Phoebe
Thank you
Download! Super helpful!