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Making the Most of a Networking ConferenceThere are numerous reasons to attend a networking conference beyond simply meeting new people and solidifying relationships. According to a group of networking conference veterans, events such as AEP's, CoSN's, EdNET, and SIIA's, give you the opportunity to: - Identify and create partnerships, - Get to know your competitors, - Understand the market better, and - Gain professional development. Like any other conference, "planning is the key to making the most of your time there," according to Maggie Sherrod, Strategic Alliances Manager at Texas Instruments. Preparations include: - Setting clear goals and evaluating your objectives, - Analyzing the competition, - Reviewing the conference program, and - Scheduling meetings and appointments. Each veteran stressed the importance of finding out who is attending ahead of time. Deb deVries, Director of Sales Programs at PLATO Learning, recommends going to the conference's website because most have attendee lists and company descriptions posted there. Doing research beforehand helps you decide who to meet with and make appointments. Once you have arrived at the event, President of Evan-Moor Educational Publishers Bill Evans' best advice is to "turn off your cell phone" so you can focus on the meetings and other participants. Dick Casabonne, Senior Consultant with MarketingWorks Inc., suggests doing a presentation and getting involved to make the most of your time there. Participating brings recognition to your expertise as well as attracts potential business opportunities. He also cautions that you should pick and choose programs within the conference and not attend them all. Leave time for opportunities that may arise. Meeting people and making contacts are obviously significant aspects of networking conferences. Some good ways to meet people are: - Introducing yourself to other attendees and speakers, - Asking colleagues to introduce you, - Attending conference programs and sessions, - Circulating during breaks and receptions, and - Making dinner plans with different groups of people. deVries explains that a lot can happen during breaks between programs and over meals and cocktails, so it is beneficial to be visible at these times. Make a point to sit with people you don't know during meals, offers Sherrod. Evans says that like any social event, be willing to share your experiences and listen carefully to the stories of others. After the conference has ended Sherrod maintains that following up while conversations are fresh in your mind is imperative - "strike while the iron is hot!" Other methods of following up include: - Researching websites to validate any information received, - Providing any additional information you've promised, - Staying in touch with contacts, and - Applying what you've learned to your business. Evans often uses networking conferences to help find solutions to problems. He enjoys how they help open his mind to other possibilities and think outside the box. Questions, ideas, or in need of more information? Please contact Stacey Pusey at 302-295-8349. |
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