Networking events and conferences can be a scary place for many people. The numbers of attendees, the seniority level of speakers, a potential new city you’ve never explored, etc. - there’s a lot of factors that can play into a feeling over being overwhelmed. As we attend more and more networking events, meetups and conferences throughout the years, we’ve put together some helpful tips and tricks to allow you to get the most out of every interaction.
Business Cards
Nobody wants a card they didn't ask for, so don't feel the need to push your card on other people. By getting someone else’s card, it puts you in control of the follow up.
Write a small note on the back of the business card of the person you speak with so you can remember what your conversation was about and be able to follow up with a personal touch
Scheduling
Preview the session schedule ahead of time to know which sessions you absolutely want to attend.
Plan in walking time or time spent waiting in line for popular sessions to avoid missing out on something you’re truly excited for.
Set Goals
Know what you want to get out of the event before you arrive - set a purpose and work toward that.
Build a Relationship
Network with people in positions above you, as well as at your own level. It’s great to build a network with people at all levels for long term relationship building, you never know who will be where one day.
Remember, everyone is there to meet people so don't be scared to approach anyone and take something positive and/or constructive from every conversation.
It all starts with building a relationship as people will do business with people they know, like and trust.
Following Up
As you interact with individuals, it is key to remember to follow up. Whether you write down in a notebook, in your phone, or set a reminder on your calendar to do so, this is where the long term relationships are built. Make this personal and concise, as well as gracious to have had the chance to meet said new connection.
LinkedIn: Adding individuals on LinkedIn with a quick note is a great way to follow up if you did not get their personal contact information. There’s even a QR code to allow for a quick add on LinkedIn, instructions on how to find that here.
Twitter: The Salesforce Ecosystem is a big proponent of continuing to build networks, relationships and the ohana and Twitter is an active site to continue to do so, find help and provide support to fellow members of the ecosystem.
Sample Questions
What brought you to X event?
Is this your first time at X event?
Which previous conferences, or events, have you attended that you found most valuable?
What sessions are you most excited about?
How did you get into the Salesforce Ecosystem?
How long have you been in the Salesforce Ecosystem?
What areas of Salesforce would you be most interested in gaining more (or some) experience on?
Which Salesforce skills do you think will be most in-demand in the coming few years?
What lesson(s) have you learned from a Salesforce mentor that’s always stuck with you?
Confidence is key in situations like these, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there - go in with the mindset that you can, and will, make meaningful connections. Which meet up or conference will you be attending next that you can put these tips and tricks to use? We’d love to hear where people are headed next and hope to meet you out there!