An article by Sheilina Somani (who I had the chance to meet at PMI France-Sud events) in PM Network, entitled « Creating Connections » prompted my attention. Sheilina insists on the fact that to get the most out of networking events, preparation is king. Of course, I do agree and I suggest that you consider doing the following for the next event you will attend.

Before the event

Make sure that you are clear on why you’re going.

It could be that the subject is of direct professional or personal interest, or you’d like to learn something new, or simply meet some old friends or some new people, or you’ll be presenting at the event, or write an article for your blog, or delivering a sales pitch, or marketing you company, activity or project… Knowing why you go will provide you with a better focus in your preparation, during the event and afterwards. And try to be as precise as possible. If your objective is to meet new people: how many? why? If it is to generate contacts with sales focus: how many leads? In which companies or sector?

Ok, now that your objective is clearer, do some research about the event you’ll be attending.

Try to familiarize yourself with the subject of the event, do internet searches and read papers on the topic in particular those coming from speakers who will participate. Also seek more information about the organizing party to see if you can be of any assistance. Seek past events minutes or presentations. Ask for more details about the presentations proposed for the upcoming seminar.

Find out about practical items as well, such as dress code, exact start time, location and driving directions.

During the event

Get there early.

It’s always easier to be one of the first to arrive to engage with the organizers or speakers who are usually there early as well. If you are targeting specific persons that you want to meet at the event, ask the organizers if they would be kind enough to introduce you. Usually, they do know a lot if not all of the attendees.

Be quiet, polite and focused on the person you meet.

Also, as people will arrive, you’ll get a better chance to meet them while it is not yet too crowded. In general, I would recommend being quiet rather than bold, polite when joining group discussions, asking if you may intervene for example, listen before speaking. Sheilina calls this respecting Mother Nature that made us with 2 ears and 1 mouth to listen twice as much as we talk. Focus really and sincerely your attention on the person you speak with. If the encounter is worthwhile and interesting, please remember to leave something behind, a business card, an email address, a phone number. And try to get the same from your counterpart.

focus on the speaker

When the event really starts, select a seat from which you’ll be able to see clearly the speakers and the screen and hear them well. Switch your focus of attention on the speaker: the topic, the messages, the person, the way he delivers his messages… all these areas are carry some learning.

While doing these, do not forget to enjoy the opportunity.

After the event

Thank the organizers and speakers

Send a thank you message to the organizers or speakers you appreciated. You’d be amazed to see how few thank you notes organizers at non profit organizations receive despite their dedication. So, be different.

Build on the newly created relationships

Follow up rapidly with your newly made contacts while the meeting is fresh in their minds and in yours. If you proposed to do something for them, do it. It could be sending them a pointer to a book or a blog you love on the subject of your discussion, a brochure, a lead… Also, invite them of course to join your contacts on your favorite social network (LinkedIn and Viadeo in my case) to keep in touch and learn more about them. This may provide you with insights on their centers of interest and you will then be in position to nurture this new relationship with pointers to articles of common interest.

So, how about giving this a try and letting me know how it worked out for you. What else should we add to the list?