[Updated for 2024]
Preparation is the key to nailing your next networking event. It’s what allows you to connect with quality leads instead of leaving empty-handed. In this article, we’ll explore some brilliant ideas and networking best practices that will bring your team and attendees together. We all crave connection, so it doesn’t take much – just a thoughtful approach and a bit of creativity.
- Before the Event: Start Early
- Communication Tips: How You Say It Is as Important as What You Say
- What to Wear: Make an Impression
- Keep the Conversation Going: Reach Out During the Event
- Leave With Leads!
Before the Event: Start Early
Tip 1: Send Emails First
Set the tone even before you arrive at the event, with succinct, branded emails that provide all the information to attendees with an air of anticipation. To take it one step further, you can use predictive analytics to customize each note and highlight that attendee’s most important event must-sees or must-dos. Make it personal!
Related: How to Elevate Your Next Event With Social Media
Tip 2: Start the Social Media Machine
Drum up interest on social media by posting videos and other teasers, encouraging people to get ready for the event.
Tip 3: Do Direct Mail
People still love getting mail. Again, with the power of predictive analytics and variable data printing (VDP), your message can get to the heart of each attendee, giving them exactly the information and motivation they need.
Communication Tips: How You Say It Is as Important as What You Say
Tip 4: Crush the Intro
Business coaches often work with professionals to help them master the art of the introduction. While introducing yourself is a simple thing you’ve been doing your whole life, that’s just the problem! We often say it too fast, like a question – and the other person doesn’t have a chance to absorb the info. Try slowing down. Give a small break between your names. It works!
Tip 5: Use Active Listening
Another big one? The simple art of listening. When you concentrate and listen to another person, you can ask the right questions and make them feel heard. Keep your answers short so you can redirect the conversation back towards them. It’s true that people enjoy talking about themselves and their work, and it’s also true that they often walk away from those conversations feeling very good about someone who has listened well! Plus, you’ll have invaluable information about their needs and their background.
Tip 6: Watch Your Words (and Your Actions!)
It’s important to be aware of your overall impression. Stay positive and don’t put anyone else down. People will wonder if you’ll do the same with them someday. Don’t look at your phone! And watch your nonverbal cues, like crossing your arms or playing with your hair. Instead, you can engage people better by mirroring their body language and tone to build rapport.
What to Wear: Make an Impression
Tip 7: Wear Your Company
Yep, this is the perfect time to let your brand speak for itself. And it’s another way to strike up some good networking. For teams hosting the event, t-shirts, lanyards, and other identifying items will help your attendees navigate the conference or event, especially if they’re new and overwhelmed. Work some branded merch items into your wardrobe – they’re much more memorable than your business suit.
Related: How Much Lead Time Do You Need to Order Your Company Swag?
Tip 8: Go Beyond the Boring Name Tag
Have fun with your name tag. It’s one of the first things people will notice, so it’s prime real estate for a great first impression. Go beyond the typical name/company rigamarole and use it as a real ice breaker by listing a hobby, favorite vacation spot, where you’re from, a pet’s name, or whatever other fun fact you’d like to share. You can even color code the name tag by session track, industry, event role, or something else, and make it even more interesting by calling for an impromptu breakout session by color (or adding a lunch discount code on the back). Name tags are becoming more than just a label!
Tip 9: Get a Business Card With Personality
Don’t leave these at home! Business cards never go out of style, even if their format changes. People always need a way to collect other attendees’ or presenters’ information, and the business card is still one of the most efficient ways to do so. It’s also an excellent mini-billboard for you and your company. And recently, business cards got a complete upgrade with Popl, a digital business card you can attach to your phone. When you meet someone, it syncs up your contact information with their phone. Talk about making an impression!
Related: Unique Business Card Design Ideas
Keep the Conversation Going: Reach Out During the Event
Tip 10: Geofence for Announcements
You can reach the crowds in real time by sending out text messages throughout the day, directing them to a class, inviting them to your booth, or just making an announcement (e.g., “We’re drawing the raffle winner soon”). Using an advanced digital strategy like geofencing, it’s easy to send the message only to attendees, all at the same time, for a communication that is impossible to ignore.
Related: Event Planning: Plan Like a Pro
Leave with Leads
Gathering great leads is about making great connections. By reaching out before the event, having great conversation starters at the event, and keeping the conversation going while you’re there, you’ll cultivate the leads you’re looking for.
At Ironmark, we’re your event’s secret weapon. From business cards, to branded merchandise, to digital marketing, we’ll help you leave with the leads you want! Reach out today to see how you can make your next event even more effective.
