How to Network at Professional Meetups

Harsh truth: Networking is dead... 4 principles of Anti-Networking (everyone should read this): You don’t get anywhere by accumulating thousands of transactional personal and professional connections. You get somewhere by building genuine relationships. Those who invest in building (rather than networking) will reap the most valuable long-term rewards—health, wealth, and happiness. Here are my four core "anti-networking" principles that anyone can use: Principle 1: Find Value Aligned Rooms Put yourself into rooms with a high density of value-aligned individuals. What this means: Think about your core values, hobbies, professional and personal interests, and then consider what "rooms" are likely to filter for people with a similar set. If I were passionate about fitness and health, I would frequent the local farmer's market, the early morning hours at the gym, and local hiking trails. If I were focused on my career in marketing, I would look up any local marketing mixers or events and attend any social media or creator conferences. Place yourself into the right rooms and you'll already be well-positioned to build new relationships. Principle 2: Ask Engaging Questions I have a few go-to questions that I have found create reliably engaging discourse: • What's your connection to [insert current place or event]? • What are you most excited about currently? • What's lighting you up outside of work? • What’s your favorite book you’ve read recently? Note: Always avoid "What do you do?" as a question. It's generic and generally gets you a cookie-cutter, automated response, or an uncomfortable one if the person doesn't feel proud of their work. Principle 3: Become a Level 2-3 Listener At Level 1, you're waiting to talk. At Level 2 and 3, you're listening to learn and understand the other person. Most people default to Level 1 listening—but if you want to build new, genuine relationships, you have to live in Level 2 and Level 3. As you listen, make mental notes of a few pertinent facts about the person, their interests, or anything else that jumps out to you. These will become relevant alongside Principle 4. Principle 4: Use Creative Follow Ups Following the conversation, log the mental notes you made and create a plan to follow up in the days ahead. A few ideas for thoughtful, creative follow-ups: • Send the person a book you loved. • Share an article or podcast they'll love for a specific reason. • Offer to connect them to someone given a shared interest. The aim is to show that you were listening intently and that you took the initiative to follow up. Use these four principles of “anti-networking” and start building genuine relationships—they will pay dividends in all areas of your life for many years to come. If this resonates, repost to share with others ♻️ and follow Sahil Bloom for more in future. 📌 Interested in self-improvement? Join 750,000+ others who get my free newsletter: https://lnkd.in/esGsF85Q

How I Network at a Conference Attending a conference is a fantastic opportunity to learn and network, but most people don’t maximize the networking side of things. I’ve attended and spoken at over 1200 conferences, and I’ve picked up a few tricks along the way to ensure I’m making the most of every event. Here’s how I network at a conference to maximize connections: 1. Plan Ahead: Before the conference, I make a list of people I want to meet. I reach out to them via LinkedIn or email, letting them know I’ll be there and would love to connect. This proactive approach sets the stage for meaningful interactions. I don’t blanket every attendee, I am selective and preset about 3 appointments to meet in person. 2. Be Present During Breaks: During the breaks, happy hours, meals, etc…, I focus on being fully present. It’s tempting to check emails or get lost in social media, but being attentive to the social part of the conference makes for better chances to connect with people in the room. 3. Start the Conversations: I always strike up conversations with new people. I start with simple questions like, “What brought you to this conference?” or “What did you think of the last session?” This helps break the ice and often leads to deeper discussions. Look for people who are standing alone as sometimes they are hoping someone else will break the ice. 4. Follow Up: After meeting someone, I make a note of our conversation and follow up within a few days. A personalized message referencing our discussion goes a long way in building a lasting connection. 5. Leverage Social Media: I share my conference experiences on social media, tagging new contacts and praising the event. This not only amplifies my presence but also keeps the momentum going long after the conference ends. 6. Host a Meet-Up: If possible, I organize a small meet-up or dinner for a few attendees if there is a “dinner on your own” night. It’s a great way to build stronger relationships in a more relaxed setting. Plus, it’s an excellent opportunity to connect people from different circles. It’s okay to upfront tell people “everyone buys their own dinner”. Pro Tip- make a reservation for eight at a restaurant near the hotel a month in advance so that you have a table reserved at a good time. 7. Be a Resource: I always aim to be a connector. If I meet someone who could benefit from knowing someone else I met, I make the introduction. Being a resource for others strengthens my network and fosters goodwill. 8. Reflect and Act: After the conference, I take time to reflect on what I’ve learned and how I can apply it. I also review my new connections and consider how we can support each other moving forward. Conferences are more than just sessions and speakers; they’re about the people you meet and the relationships you build. By being intentional and proactive, you can transform your conference experience and create a network that supports your personal and professional growth. #networking

Here’s how I make the most of conferences as an introvert who finds these events draining. It all starts with a plan: 1️⃣ Prepare BEFORE you go.   Don’t leave it to chance. Connect with people ahead of time via LinkedIn or the conference app. Target two key groups: conference organizers and conference speakers. They’re often well-connected and great to talk to post-presentation. (Thanks to Craig Davis for the speaker tip in yesterday's post) 2️⃣ Customize your name tag.   Yes, name tags are standard, but why not make yours stand out? Add a note about the type of people you’re looking to meet. For example, mine says, “I’m here to connect with CHROs or HR leaders.” It’s a subtle but effective conversation starter, and in my newsletter this weekend, I'll share why it helps you connect with your target connections. 3️⃣ Ditch the business cards.   Instead, use your LinkedIn QR code! Save it on your phone and make it easy for people to connect with you instantly. No fumbling, no follow-up emails. Just instant connections. 4️⃣ Stand out Wear something unique that sparks curiosity. For example, I’ll be wearing a velvet red jacket at my next conference. It’s a great way to invite people to approach you and start a conversation. If bold fashion isn’t your style, try a standout accessory or a creative add-on to your lanyard. 5️⃣ Follow up post-conference.   This is where the real value lies. Reach out to the connections you made and build on the conversations you started. In the video, I explain why this is such a critical part of conference networking. Conferences don’t have to be overwhelming. With a bit of strategy, you can leave with meaningful connections and new opportunities. This Saturday, in 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘐𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬𝘦𝘳 newsletter, I'll be sharing more details about how you can apply these networking strategies at your next in-person event. Not a subscriber? Sign up for FREE when you hit the link under my headline at the top of the post ☝️

Most people tell you to network, but they don’t teach you how. Here’s what you can do: 🔹 Quality Over Quantity: Before attending, study the event's attendee list and identify 2-3 people you want to meet. This focused approach can lead to deeper, more meaningful conversations. I’ve recently done this myself at a TED event. 🔹 Adopt a Giving Mindset: Offer to share your expertise or resources. For example, if someone is working on a project you have experience with, volunteer to provide insights or introduce them to someone who can help. This shows you're invested in their success. 🔹 Research Smartly: Look into their recent projects or publications. If your contact has recently published a paper or given a talk, read it and mention specific points you found intriguing or valuable. This demonstrates genuine interest and sets you apart. 🔹 Make the First Move: Send a message acknowledging a challenge they mentioned in a public forum or LinkedIn comment. For example: "Hi [Name], I saw your post about the challenges of remote team management. I've faced similar issues and found that regular virtual coffee breaks helped. Would love to share more if you're interested. Best, [Your Name]" 🔹 Build a Habit: Set a weekly reminder to engage with your network on social media. This could be liking, commenting on, or sharing posts from your contacts. Regular engagement keeps you top of mind and builds a foundation for deeper connections. Tomorrow’s newsletter is packed with actionable insights to turn casual contacts into valuable connections. ➡ Sign up here: https://lnkd.in/eE-aFmFy 💜 Career Well-being is the best work-life newsletter, according to my readers! Join us! #NetworkingTips #CareerDevelopment #ProfessionalGrowth #careerbutterfly #CareerWellbeing

Forget the free food and swag. The real conference ROI? Stronger relationships. Here's how you do it: Was advising a founder headed to her first conference as an entrepreneur rather than just for fun / to hang out. These events can be intimidating and expensive so you want to make the most of your time and energy. Here's a recap of what we discussed: ◾ Know your goal. You are there to advance your business through relationships and new insights / information. Manage your energy, get enough sleep, don't eat too much of the free food if its junk. ◾ Chat everyone up. Your job is to build relationships with new friends and potential collaborators / customers. If you see people you know, great but don't spend all your time with them—use them to meet other folks "Can I join your group at lunch?" ◾ Small talk matters. Start w/ simple questions like "Is this your first time at XYZ Con?" "When did you get in / where did you come in from?" "What are you most hoping to get out of this event?" And be prepared to answer all those q's for yourself! ◾ Be choosy about the talks. Pick a few of the events you really think will be worth your time and ask a public question during the Q&A. It can make an impression for the speakers and also the audience (people will remember you and maybe start up a convo with you later) ◾ Be ready to connect. Have a QR code or link ready to your company / socials / mailing list. You'll completely forget to do this later and seconds matter b/c people get distracted / bored. ◾ Follow up with people. Do it right away so you don't forget who they were—email or social media DM. Remind them of how you met and share a memory or insight or piece of media that can help cement your relationship. Try to set up a call or at least be friendly on social in the DMs or in comments. ◾ All you need is a few good ones. It can feel overwhelming but if you can walk away from a conference with even just 2 strong relationships (which might happen slowly over time) for a conference to be a great investment. These days I don't attend as many conferences unless I'm speaking but early in my career these events helped me connect and deepen relationships with a lot of amazing people. What are your favorite tips when it comes to a conference?

A few weeks back I attended an awesome trial lawyers convention in Houston, and recognized some newer attorneys struggling to network. Attending a convention offers a fantastic opportunity to network, share ideas, and build connections. To make the most of these interactions, it's essential to employ techniques that keep the conversation flowing and engaging. For those who feel they struggle to interact others, here are a few effective strategies I use to network: 1. Start with Open-Ended Questions Open-ended questions invite detailed responses and help avoid yes/no answers. Instead of asking, "Do you like this convention?" try, "What has been your favorite part of the convention so far?" This encourages the other person to share more about their experiences and opinions. 2. Use Mirroring Mirroring involves subtly mimicking the other person's body language, tone, and vocabulary. This creates a sense of rapport and makes the other person feel understood and connected. If they cross their arms, you might do the same a moment later. If they use specific jargon, incorporate it into your responses. 3. Active Listening Show genuine interest in what the other person is saying. Nod, maintain eye contact, and give verbal affirmations like "I see" or "That's interesting." Paraphrase their points to demonstrate understanding, such as, "So, you're saying that the latest technology has really improved your workflow?" 4. Share Relevant Stories Relate to what the other person is talking about by sharing relevant anecdotes or experiences. This keeps the conversation balanced and interactive. However, ensure your stories are concise and directly related to the topic at hand. 5. Ask Follow-Up Questions Follow-up questions show that you are engaged and interested. If someone mentions a project they are excited about, ask for more details: "What inspired you to start this project?" or "What challenges have you faced so far?" 6. Use Positive Body Language Your body language speaks volumes. Smile, nod, and maintain an open posture to appear approachable and engaged. Avoid crossing your arms or looking around the room, as these can signal disinterest. 7. Know When to Exit Gracefully Not every conversation will be fruitful. If you need to move on, do so politely. Thank the person for their time and mention that it was great to meet them. You could say, "I’ve enjoyed our conversation. I hope we can connect again later during the convention." Conventions are an excellent venue for meaningful conversations and networking. By employing techniques like open-ended questions, mirroring, active listening, sharing relevant stories, asking follow-up questions, and using positive body language, you can keep conversations engaging and productive. #networking #personalgrowth #personaldevelopment #success

While the value of attending conferences is the networking opportunities, meeting strangers in a professional social setting, even as an adult, can lead to anxiety as many professionals are quite shy and introverted in person despite being sociable online—myself included. For my fellow introverts, breaking the ice and networking can seem daunting. Here are a few tips that have helped me: 1. Prepare Conversation Starters: Have a few go-to questions or comments ready, such as "What did you think of the keynote speech?" or "What brings you to this event?" 2. Set Small Goals: Aim to have meaningful conversations with just a few people. Tip: Get a list beforehand of who is attending or research who the speakers are and make it a goal to speak to a few of them. 3. Leverage Breaks: Use coffee breaks and social gatherings to casually introduce yourself to others. Tip: Find your way into an attendee dinner where networking is more relaxed. 4. Find Common Ground: Look for people with similar interests or challenges. This makes starting a conversation easier. 5. Be Yourself: Authenticity goes a long way. People appreciate genuine interactions. Remember, everyone at the conference is there for the same reason – to learn and network. Networking doesn't have to be overwhelming. Most attendees are just as shy as you might feel. With a few strategies, even the shyest among us can make valuable connections. #Networking #InboxExpo2024 #ProfessionalGrowth

The most important career advice I NEVER got? Relationships unlock opportunity. The difference between professionals who plateau and those who thrive often comes down to one thing: the strength of their networks. Easier said than done. Even if I had understood this, I would have needed guidance on HOW to do it. Real network-building requires intention, generosity, and authentic human connection. After years of trial and error, I've identified 20 strategies that consistently create powerful professional relationships. Here are 10. The rest are in the visual. 1. Practice the 5-minute favor rule ↳ When meeting someone new, ask yourself, "What can I do in 5 minutes that would meaningfully help this person?" ↳ Example: Send a relevant article or make a quick introduction. 2. Follow the 2:1 giving ratio ↳ Provide value at least twice before asking for anything. ↳ Example: Share and comment meaningfully on their LinkedIn posts. 3. Be 'interested, not interesting' ↳ Focus conversations on the other person rather than trying to impress. ↳ Example: Ask follow-up questions about their challenges rather than discussing your own achievements. 4. Leverage commonality ↳ Find unexpected shared interests beyond work. ↳ Example: Discovering you both enjoy pottery or hiking specific trails creates stronger bonds than just industry connections. 5. Practice conversational generosity ↳ Introduce people to others in group settings. ↳ Example: "Sarah, you should meet Alex. You're both working on similar AI ethics challenges." 6. Make specific, actionable asks ↳ Be clear about what you need. ↳ Example: "Would you be willing to review my presentation deck for 15 minutes this week?" 7. Connect with 'dormant ties' ↳ Reconnect with valuable past connections. ↳ Example: Reach out to former colleagues and share specific memories of working together. 8. Diversify your network ↳ Intentionally connect with people outside your immediate field. ↳ Example: A finance professional joining a technology meetup to gain fresh perspectives. 9. Maintain a personal board of directors ↳ Cultivate relationships with 5-7 trusted advisors. ↳ Example: Monthly check-ins with mentors who provide different perspectives on your career decisions. 10. Adopt the sweat equity approach ↳ Volunteer for industry organizations or committees. ↳ Example: Join the planning committee for a conference to create natural connections with speakers and organizers. The most valuable asset in your career isn't your degree, certifications, or even your experience It's the web of relationships you thoughtfully build along the way. What are your successful relationship building tactics? ♻️ Repost to share these ideas with your network. 👉Follow me Stephanie Eidelman (Meisel) for more ideas about how to enhance your network and your career. 📫 Subscribe to Women in Consumer Finance to access all of our carousels, cheat sheets, and other content. (https://hubs.la/Q03dY9_n0)

Traditional networking is broken. It is loud, draining, and simply not as effective. Flip the script. Make networking not just effective, but fun. ❌ You do not need to play their game. As an introvert, you already have the edge. You create deeper, more meaningful connections. ✅ You just need to lean into what works for you. Here is your guide to building a powerful network; on your terms. 1️⃣ Find meaningful moments. Skip the noisy crowd. Where do real connections happen? In calm spaces, with approachable people. Shared interests? A quiet energy? That’s your person. 2️⃣ Focus on one great connection. Do you really need to meet everyone? One real conversation beats ten surface chats. Look for someone curious or engaged. That is where the value lies. 3️⃣ Set your own rules. Who says you have to stay all night? Decide how long you want to be there. Pick how many people you want to meet. Protect your energy. It is yours to manage. 4️⃣ Take recharge breaks. Feeling drained? Step away. Find a quiet corner or head outside. Breathe. Reset. Then come back stronger. 5️⃣ Bring a wingperson. Why do it alone if you do not have to? Go with someone who knows you. They can help with introductions. You can focus on the connection, not the crowd. 6️⃣ Ask, then listen. What’s the easiest way to connect? Start with a thoughtful question. “What excites you about your work?” Let them talk. Listening makes people feel heard. 7️⃣ Stick to events that suit you. Why force yourself into constant small talk? Go to workshops or panels. Listen, learn, and join in when it feels right. 8️⃣ Skip the room, use the DMs. Big events feel overwhelming? No problem. Follow up later. Send a message. Be direct and intentional. 9️⃣ Let people come to you. What if you did not have to chase connections? Share your thoughts online. Posts and comments attract like-minded people. 🔟 Find your own style. Networking does not have to look one way. Coffee chats. Small meetups. Online groups. Do it in a way that fits you. ❌ Networking is not about doing everything. ✅ It is about doing what feels right. And when you find your flow, connections will come naturally. Learned something new? Follow for more introvert tips! #introvert #introvertsunite #networking #connection #network #yourterms

One of my favorite pieces of advice to give to early career professionals about how to maximize networking opportunities at a conference: Stand up and ask a question during a session early on in the program. You get to introduce yourself to the entire audience in one fell swoop by stating your name and company before asking your question. And ideally you ask a thoughtful and memorable question on the topic you most want to talk to people about. Now you’ve teed yourself up for the most fruitful conversations possible throughout the rest of the event. You might have to remind people “I’m so-and-so, the person who asked the question about XYZ during the session on ABC” but then you can continue on to ask what they think about the topic. It’s a great conversation starter aligned with your business objectives for the conference.