Networking Event Preparedness

Over the next 3 months, I’m hosting 4 major events in France, UK, USA and KSA. Beforehand, I want to share my top tips on how to get the best out of networking. 1. Set Clear Targets Action: Make a hit list of the top 10 companies or people you need to meet. Research what they care about—know their wins, pain points, & what they’re hunting for before you walk through the door. Outcome: These conversations won’t just happen by chance. By doing your homework, you’ll turn a five-minute chat into a deal-building moment. Schedule meetings in advance, & after the event, send a tailored follow-up email that shows you were listening. 2. Take the Stage (Literally) Action: Get on the agenda. Whether it’s a keynote, panel, or fireside chat, nothing says “I’m the one to watch” like holding the mic. Use this time to address the industry’s biggest challenges & position yourself—& your company—as the answer. Outcome: Speaking builds instant credibility. It’s not just exposure; it’s authority. Post-event, share the highlights on LinkedIn & invite attendees to continue the conversation, turning an audience into a lead pipeline. 3. Own the Floor Action: Don’t just lurk—work the room. Engage with key exhibitors, ask questions, & position yourself as a resource, not just another pitch. Be direct but curious: “What’s your biggest challenge this year?” and “How can I help?” are powerful openers. Outcome: You’ll stand out as someone who listens. Take notes during conversations, & follow up within 48 hours with a personalised message. Not a generic “great meeting you”—send actionable insights or specific ideas that move the ball forward. 4. Host the Inner Circle Action: People bond better in a more relaxed setting than over Wi-Fi. Organise an exclusive dinner, roundtable, or cocktail event for a curated group of heavy hitters. Keep it intimate—this is about building relationships, not just showing off. Go easy on the heavy sell. Outcome: People remember who brought them value & connections, not who handed out free pens. Post-event, share any key takeaways & book one-on-one follow-ups to solidify what you started over drinks. 5. Hack the Tech Action: Use every tool at your disposal—event apps, LinkedIn, QR codes. Pre-event, reach out to attendees & book meetings. At the event, swap contacts digitally to keep things seamless, & use a CRM to track every interaction. Outcome: You’ll leave the event with an organised roadmap of leads, not just a stack of business cards destined for a desk drawer. Follow up strategically with segmented, value-driven emails & keep the momentum alive. The Bottom Line: Trade fairs & exhibitions aren’t just networking. Preparation, presence, & follow-up separate those who close deals from those who just collect swag bags. Be human. Don’t think of this as just a branding exercise but an opportunity for long term partnerships. Be genuine - your new contacts will become close contacts, if not friends. Make it count! #revenuegrowth

👻👻 A (professional) introvert's guide to making Networking Events Less Spooky 👻👻 If you fear networking events, copy my playbook. True story: I fear "networking events" on multiple levels. If biz dev wasn't part of my role with Remedy Public Relations, I'd be happy with a more behind-the-scenes role mentoring & strategizing (#careergoals). How do I make it "seem" easy? Preparation & strategy. 1. Show up EARLY. It's easier to strike up a conversation at the beginning than try to inject yourself after. 2. Be distinct. I like to wear one piece of flair that relates to who I am outside the office. My long-distance running shoes (Nike Zoom Fly Five / Hyper Pink), are a conversation starter. ⛳️ Do you play golf? Wear a golf shirt from a brand that only fellow golfers would know. IYKYK 3. Don't rush in. Whenever possible, I'll work remotely near the event. This gives me time to relax & collect myself before walking in. 4. Don't ask what someone does. That's transactional & many fear that question if they're between roles. Ask what they're up to. Let them choose the path. 5. Talk to everyone. I HATE the term referral partners, but I've received some great leads from people far removed from PR & marketing. 6. Plan to chat. Prepare to discuss something you're working on that you're excited about. - No one likes someone who only talks about their job. Be prepared to get personal. What did you do the weekend before that was exciting, or what are you looking forward to this weekend? Sound obvious? Sure… but I can barely remember what I had for lunch yesterday, so if you put me on the spot, I may forget if I didn't prepare. 7. Slide into those DMs. See who registered you want to meet & drop them a note. No list? Check who posted about going to the last event on social media. Drop them a note. 8. What's a challenge you or your industry is facing? Keep that in mind for conversations. 9. Work on your penmanship. If you have to write your own nametag at an event, it helps if people can read it. We also have little Remedy PR stickers to throw at the bottom of the nametags. Side note: Jonah Peake 🐺 has posted before about putting your nametag upside down to spark conversations. 10. Check your network to see who is going, but don't cling to them. I saw a lot of people I know & like at Connect's #IDSD24 a few weeks back, but I didn't sit with anyone too long. Move around. 11. Consistency brings comfort. Commit to a regular series of events so you start seeing some of the same people. It will make conversations less daunting & keep you in mind for later. 12. Stress builds strength. I try to commit to one new event or meeting a month that takes me outside my bubble. Makes the next one easier. 13. Drop a line to them after you meet. Keep the ball moving. Some pics below of people I met for the first time or strengthened relationships by going to networking events within the last six weeks. Kanani, Robyn Goldberg, Jason, Lu, Scott, Susan.

When I talk about networking, I’m not talking about awkward small talk or exchanging as many business cards as possible. Networking, when done right, is about creating meaningful connections that can last beyond the event. Here’s how to approach networking at events with intention: 1️⃣ Show Up Prepared: Know who’s attending, research speakers, and have a clear idea of who you want to meet. Preparation shows respect and sets the tone for a valuable interaction. 2️⃣ Listen More Than You Talk: Networking isn’t about selling yourself—it’s about showing genuine interest in the other person. Ask thoughtful questions and listen with intent. People remember how you make them feel. 3️⃣ Add Value Immediately: Whether it’s offering an introduction, sharing a helpful resource, or simply being present in the conversation, think about how you can bring value to the relationship from the start. 4️⃣ Follow Up Like a Pro: The real magic of networking happens after the event. Send a personal follow-up email or LinkedIn message that reflects on your conversation and keeps the door open for future collaboration. Remember, it’s not about the quantity of connections—it’s about the quality of relationships. Every interaction is an opportunity to build trust, learn something new, and grow your network authentically.

Conferences used to drain me. As an introvert, I would stand awkwardly holding a coffee, wondering how everyone else made networking look so easy. Here are 5 hacks that helped me—and might help you too: 1/ Create Your Personal Energy Zones: Don’t try to network the whole time. Set specific "on" times for socializing and give yourself "off" breaks to recharge. The key isn’t to stay active but to be strategic about when you are. 2/ Be a Connector, Not a Networker: Shift your focus from trying to meet people for yourself to helping others connect. It’s less stressful, and you'll be remembered as someone who brings value. 3/ Use "Curiosity Openers": Instead of preparing boring questions, try asking what excites them about their work or what drives them. It turns small talk into meaningful conversations. 4/ Leverage Your Quiet Presence: You don’t have to be loud to make an impact. Own your silence. Sometimes, standing calmly in a room of chatter makes you more approachable and memorable. 5/ Network After the Event is Over: Some of the best connections happen in the follow-up. Use LinkedIn or email to deepen conversations after the initial meeting, where it’s quieter and more personal. Networking doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By embracing our strengths, we can build meaningful connections. == P.S.: What are your go-to networking tips? Share them in the comments! #introvert #personaldevelopment #networking

Conference fatigue is real! Attending conferences can be rewarding and energizing, but the packed schedules, travel, information overload, and constant networking can quickly lead to fatigue or even burnout. Here’s a few ways to stay refreshed, focused, and make the most of your conference experience: ➡️ PLAN AND PRIORITIZE YOUR SCHEDULE: -- Review the agenda in advance. Highlight the sessions, speakers, and events that align with your goals. Focus on quality over quantity and don’t feel pressured to attend everything. -- If you’re traveling across time zones, use jet lag apps like Timeshifter or StopJetLag to help your body adjust. These apps provide personalized plans to optimize sleep, light exposure, and meals, which can significantly reduce. -- Schedule intentional downtime. Block out periods for solo walks, quiet meals, or short breaks in your room to recharge. Over-scheduling is a major contributor to event fatigue. -- Build in transition time between sessions. Even five to ten minutes can help you reset and prepare for the next event. ➡️ PREPARE FOR NETWORKING AND MEETINGS: -- Carry old-school business cards and a pen. -- Have your LinkedIn QR code or a digital business card ready for quick sharing. Digital cards (using apps like HiHello, Inc. or Popl) are increasingly popular. -- Download the conference app if one is available. They often include networking features, schedules, and ways to connect with other attendees efficiently. ➡️ DURING THE CONFERENCE: -- Limit distractions and avoid multitasking during sessions, meetings, or conversations. -- Be intentional and selective with your #networking: Focus on meaningful connections rather than collecting as many business cards as possible. -- Take notes during or immediately after key conversations and sessions. This helps you remember details and makes follow-up easier. -- Listen actively and ask thoughtful questions-engaged participation is more valuable than passive attendance. -- Designate some “no-conference” time: Block out periods where you don’t attend any sessions or meetings to decompress. -- Skip non-essential social events (like early breakfasts or late-night mixers) if you need rest. Prioritize your well-being over FOMO. -- Pay attention to your body and mind. If you feel overwhelmed or exhausted, take a break, even a short one can help you reset. ➡️ SCHEDULE TIME FOR FOLLOW-UP: -- Review your notes and contacts as soon as possible after the event to combat the “forgetting curve”. -- Set calendar reminders to follow up with new connections-ideally within a month, and then periodically (such as quarterly) to maintain relationships. -- Send personalized LinkedIn connection requests to everyone you met, referencing your conversation to reinforce the connection. -- Use #technology to your advantage: AI-powered apps can help summarize sessions, organize notes, and remind you of action items. What’s your best tip to avoid conference fatigue❓

As an HR professional, I’m often asked about networking and how to approach it effectively. Networking is not just about meeting people—it’s a powerful tool for personal development, continuous learning, and fostering meaningful connections. When done thoughtfully, it opens doors to new opportunities and helps you grow both personally and professionally. Here are three essential tips for successful networking: 1. Be Intentional * Set clear goals: Are you looking for mentorship, exploring new industries, or expanding your support network? Focus on quality not quantity. * Do your homework: Research attendees or speakers in advance and prepare thoughtful questions or talking points to guide your conversations. 2. Lead with Value * Networking is about building relationships, not just seeking personal gain. Shift your focus to “How can I help?” * Look for opportunities to support others—whether by sharing insights, offering resources, or making introductions that could be beneficial. 3. Keep the Connection Alive * After an event or meeting, follow up with a personalized message that references your conversation. * Maintain the relationship by staying in touch over time—share articles, updates, or simply check in to show you value the connection. Conversation Starters Consider these to spark engaging conversations: * "What’s the most exciting part of your current role or project?" * "What inspired you to attend this event today?" * "What’s a professional trend or topic you’re really interested in right now?" And one last tip: Put your phone down! Being fully present shows respect and builds deeper connections. What are your go-to networking strategies? I’d love to hear your thoughts! #Networking #Development #GrowthMindset

💥The power of networking with authenticity💥 Earlier this year, Udemy approached me to create a B2B course on networking. They thought that my approach to leadership made me a networking expert. This was a surprise to me. I don't *feel* like a natural networker. It's something that I've always thought I was bad at. And as an ambivert, while I can amp up my energy to be dazzling, afterwards I'm pretty drained and need much solo time to recuperate. Perhaps we teach what we most need to learn. My Udemy script had just been submitted to their capable content team when I attended a day-long #AsianLeadershipSummit at the Stanford University Graduate School of Business Here's how I put my own tips into practice: 1️⃣ Be in service Many of us shy away from networking as because the seemingly transactional nature and shallow conversations makes it feel awkward and inauthentic. Instead of wondering how the people you meet could be useful to you, focus on being genuinely curious and seek to learn about them. For each person, consider how you could be of service to them. I love coaching and asking people questions that might lead them to an insight or transformation. During the conference, I had a handful of quick coaching sessions (with permission of course!) which was incredibly energizing for me. 2️⃣ Be strategically proactive Quieter leaders can do your research beforehand. Find the people you're most interested in and reach out to them on LinkedIn before the event. Another strategy is to speak up and ask questions. This shows the speaker that you've been listening and processing their talk. If you ask a question, you'll stand out. In between sessions, many people came up to me to relate to the questions I asked during the main events. Several people I knew came to find me, they only knew I was present because I asked a question. 3️⃣ Follow up This one is super tactical but very productive. When you meet a person you have a connection with, connect with them on LinkedIn immediately. Follow up 24-48 hours later with a note referencing your conversation or sharing a resource. When appropriate, suggest the follow-up action. 4️⃣ Keep iterating. Networking is a long-term practice Create your networking practice over time and over multiple events. First acquaintances become weak ties with follow up and over time eventually become friends. You're not just networking to get the next job but to create a life-long set of rich, professional relationships. I feel so blessed to have reconnected with former clients, colleagues and friends with Madison Y. Li, Denise Ang, Mo Fong, Deborah Liu and met some new friends in person with Dennis Yao Yu and Dave Lu. P.S. Final tip, take the photos! Perhaps it's the Asian-ness and I was both amused and inspired that the organizers took several minutes after each speaker finished to take the commemorative photo on stage. #makespacetolead #leadership #networking #aapi #buildingmomentum #executivecoaching 

Networking events are like professional speed dating. But they don’t have to be awkward or forced. With the right approach, you can build meaningful connections and leave with more than just a stack of business cards. Here are 5 simple tips to help you make genuine connections: 🔷 Dress to Impress: First impressions are everything. Wear something professional that makes you feel confident—it’ll boost your energy. 🔷 Make Eye Contact: Don’t just glance around the room while talking. Hold eye contact to show you’re genuinely engaged (but no creepy staring contests, please). 🔷 Be Genuine: People can tell when you’re faking it. Skip the fluff and just be yourself. Authenticity always wins. 🔷 Listen More: Ask questions and actually listen to their answers. People remember good listeners more than smooth talkers. 🔷 Follow Up: Don’t let the conversation die. Send a quick message after the event—something simple like, “I really enjoyed chatting about [topic]. Let’s stay in touch!” At the end of the day, networking is about creating connections that can lead to collaboration, learning, and new opportunities. Approach it with the right mindset, and you’ll find yourself building lasting relationships. Treat it like you’re meeting new friends, and you’ll walk away with more than just an inbox full of LinkedIn requests. What’s your go-to tip for making networking events less awkward? Let me know below! #linkedin #networking

I’m currently preparing for one of my local I-O/People Analytics happy hours that I hold quarterly(ish) and I was reflecting on what I’ve learned from doing this for over a decade, but also wondering what others are doing to make sure their events are successful as possible. One thing I picked up from our I-O bookclub’s (shout out to Ellie Hoekman!) time with Supercommunicators by Charles Duhigg (https://amzn.to/4myeCET) was “Prepare Before Every Conversation”. This is where before meetings, important conversations, networking events, etc., you prepare a list of potential topics, questions, and key points. Doing this preparation helps reduce anxiety and gives you a place to steer the conversation if needed. You may not end up using any of the things you listed, but it still tends to lead to success due to the reduction in anxiety and having places to go in the conversation if needed. Another tactic that I incorporate into every event now is the colored sticker conversation starter kit. I got this idea from Al Adamsen from one of the events he held in Atlanta. You have colored dot stickers (think yard sale like these (https://amzn.to/3V7s7PL)) and assign them to various areas. I do this for your areas of interest like People Analytics, OD, Employee Listening, Current Student, Open to Work, etc. You then pick whichever ones apply to you and also put them on your name tag so that anybody you bump into will immediately have an idea of things you may have in common or things to discuss. I leave a legend by the name tags so you don't need to memorize the categories and also invite attendees to expand the legend with any areas I've missed. What are some of the strategies that you use to ensure either your networking events go smoothly or as an attendee that it was worth your time to make the trek? Let me know in the comments! *Post contains affiliate links for resources I personally own and find highly valuable #PeopleAnalytics #IOpsych #networking