Did you ever go to Disneyland? Have you ever been in a ‘networking Disneyland’?
I just came back from an amazing and successful conference organized by IBA (International Bar Association) Law Management Committee, the Senior lawyers Committee and the Young Lawyers Committee. The conference dealt with one of my favorite subjects (baring in mind my long track record as an international lawyer) – “Generating Increased Revenues through the Power of Relationships”. It was indeed a real eye opener for me to learn how do law firms think about building and maintaining relationship with clients and how on the other side the legal counsel see the evolvement of such a relationship. I shared some of my innovative new ideas and methods to create real successful relationship for the long run based on giving Authentic Attention™ [I will definitely dedicate one of my upcoming blog posts for these ideas].
But one of the most important questions you should always ask yourself, after coming back from a conference or a networking event – was it successful? Did I really use the event in the most effective way to maximize my results?
In many of my worldwide presentation and trainings I call a conference or a networking event “a Networking Disneyland”. Yes, Disneyland, the famous amusement park, the ‘happiest place in the world”. What do I mean?
As in Disneyland, conferences are meant for the large public. You need to pay entrance fees and than you are free to go to any ride you want for free. Conferences, as Disneyland, included multiple opportunities and you are in charge, which ride to choose. There are many people you are able to meet or miss the opportunity to meet, it is all up to you. I dearly believe that as in Disneyland, also in networking event you need to enjoy the rides (otherwise you waste your valuable time). And when there are not many people in the park, you will be less stressful and you can enjoy some of the rides more than once. Not to forget that as soon as you been there and you enjoyed you get addicted and you want to come again.
Ok, maybe the last part is going too far for many of you. Maybe it is only for networking addict like myself. I trust you got my point. Conferences and networking events are including great opportunities to connect with new people and start an authentic relationship or maintain relationship with your existing contacts. The real world conferences still have this special charm and a real ability to deliver magical results, when used effectively.
Now, in case the conference in organized for a specific target audience or a specific theme, the attendees already have an initial positive bonding since they belong to the same target group with similar interests. Exactly as in Disneyland, if you visit the different parts of the park, you will see different groups of people attracted to different attractions.
So if you agree that you need to maximize your investment on the next conference, and for a long time asked yourself how can I do it and enjoy the ride, here some ideas and tips that will definitely let you get the best results:
1. Prepare, Research and Decide . For participating in a conference you need to invest your time, your efforts and your money (and sometimes a lot of money!). Writing down your goals and what do you expect to achieve in this specific conference are very important components in the success of the event.
Few actions you can take in advance:
(1) Review the conference agenda (do not be lazy, read it all!). The agenda can disclosed to you a lot of important information. For example, information on new hot topics on your area of expertise; information on contact people, you may use in the future.
(2) Check your natural enthusiasm with regards to the conference – if you are not enthusiastic about the conference, skip it. Going to a conference without the initial excitement and positive energies will harm your results.
(3) Check the attendee list (if not available try to ask for it in advance). This list will disclose names of people or companies you will find interesting to connect with. It can also remind you of people you met in the past but you may have lost touch with.
(4) Develop 3 lists in advance. One list for attendees or sessions that will support your relationship building; second list for attendees and sessions significant for your professional development and the third list for people and sessions that are connected to your business/career development. Carry these lists with you to the event and add your remarks and additional information once you meet the specific people or if you attend the relevant session. This information will be valuable for the long run. I am also having a forth list – attendees and session I want to avoid; not to meet or participate.
2. Know your value and share it. You never know who you will meet I a conference. It can be your clients, your competitors/peers, your future employer or employee. You have to be ready. You need to know very clearly your value. You need to be able to share it in a short statement, so the other side will understand your value added. Remember, without being able to contribute your value to the other person, it is almost impossible to build sincere relationship. One warning – please do not mistaken your value proposition from an ‘elevator pitch’ (which is sometimes useless bunch of words about yourself!).
3. Opportunity in every corner. Please do not under estimate the relationship building and attentional networking opportunity in every interaction with other attendee. It can be during keynote presentation, coffee break or luncheons, receptions and any other formal or informal meeting with others during the event. I personally like the informal meetings with strangers, pure development of relationship.
4. Remember people’s contacts. Start with people first name, but do not leave a person you share a moment during the conference without knowing who he/she is and his/her contact details. Every networking interaction opportunity, no matter how brief, is a relationship-ignition point. Your interest in other people details show sincerity to keep in touch and interest to know more about the person. It is definitely a pure act of giving attention to the other person, and I doubt who will refuse it.
5. Broaden your Horizons. Conferences and networking event give you a unique opportunity to learn new things and information on other people that you will not necessarily get during one-on-one meeting in their office. Try to find this information by asking different questions or by discussing other personal subjects with the other person. You will definitely differentiate yourself, the conversation will not be boring. And again, you show your authentic attention in the other person needs and desires. Needless to mention the importance of this information in the long run.
More innovative and insightful tips and ideas to be shared in my next blog. So keep you eyes on your emails.
In the meantime, if you have any additional tactics that you use to enjoy a conference and maximize the results? Share with me, I will be happy to learn new ideas and to share them on my blog (with your name of course!).
Seeing my international clients become successful based on the work we have done together is one of the greatest rewards of my work. I work with my clients one on one, in groups (in-house training) and through online programs. In my capacity as a keynote speaker, trainer, seminar leader, author, power networker I help continually my clients to grow their business and their global reach by using the effective attentional networking and business development tools.
Are you interested to learn how I can help you maximize your results in the next event?
Contact me to discuss tailored ideas for your specific needs!
