Networking In Public Relations

Getting ready to speak at the 14th UNESCO Youth Forum in Uzbekistan 🇺🇿 As I prepare to step onto this stage, I'm reflecting on how I went from having zero international network to being invited to speak at global forums like this. The answer? Strategic networking. Not the transactional kind—the authentic kind. Here are 5 networking principles that changed everything for me: 1️⃣ Lead with curiosity, not your CV Early in my career, I'd meet someone and immediately start listing my achievements. Cringe. Now? I ask questions. "What brought you here?" "What are you working on?" People remember how you made them feel, not your resume. 2️⃣ Follow up within 24 hours (with value) After meeting someone, I send a message within 24 hours. But I don't just say "nice to meet you." I reference something specific we discussed OR share a resource that might help them. This is how I built relationships with mentors at the UN, Harvard, and beyond. 3️⃣ Network for others, not just yourself When I meet someone, I think: "Who in MY network would benefit from knowing them?" Then I make the introduction. You become a connector, not a taker. And people remember you for it. 4️⃣ Quality over quantity At events like this UNESCO Forum, it's tempting to collect 50 business cards. But I'd rather have 5 deep conversations than 50 shallow ones. Focus on people you genuinely connect with. Those relationships last. 5️⃣ Show up consistently (online AND offline) Networking isn't just at fancy events. I network every day by engaging on LinkedIn, commenting on people's work, sharing their achievements. When you finally meet in person, it's not the first time they've seen your name. About to walk into a room full of global leaders and young changemakers. These 5 principles got me here. They'll work for you too. What's your best networking tip? Drop it in the comments 👇 #Networking #CareerAdvice #UNESCO #YouthLeadership #unitednations

How many times have you come back from a conference or event and thought, “I should’ve done more to maximize that experience”? Not just attending the sessions or showing up at the dinners, but turning it into something meaningful for your visibility, your relationships and your business development efforts. Me too 🙋🏼♀️ It’s easy to get caught up in the travel, the meetings, the panels and then move on to the next thing without following up. But the days after the event are when you can actually turn conversations into relationships and visibility into opportunity. Here are some ways to make the most of it: ✔️ Add new contacts to your LinkedIn network with a brief personal message ✔️ Follow up with a quick note or article relevant to what you discussed ✔️ Set up a coffee or Zoom with someone you want to get to know better ✔️ Thank the organizers and tag them in a post that shares why the event was valuable ✔️ Share a thoughtful takeaway from a session or speaker and connect it back to your work ✔️ Turn a question you were asked at the event into a LinkedIn post ✔️ Make a short list of people you want to stay in touch with and schedule reminders to check in ✔️ Look at the attendee list and identify one or two people you didn’t meet but want to and reach out to them saying that ✔️ Update your contacts or tracking sheet so you don’t lose momentum ✔️ Review your notes and pull out insights or trends that could spark future content or outreach You already invested time and energy to be there, and a few intentional steps afterward can help that investment pay off. Which of these tips are you going to do first? #LegalMarketing #ClientDevelopment #LinkedInTips #BusinessDevelopment

I MISSED THE OPPORTUNITIES! There was a time when I would speak at events and not fully seize the opportunities before me. Too focused on the performance of my talk, I overlooked the chance to build my network and meet potential collaborators. I realised I needed to make the most of each speaking opportunity. So I put together a strategy to connect more effectively with my audience, ensuring every interaction could lead to deeper relationships and future collaborations. Here’s how I changed my approach to audience engagement: ONE ↳ Meet and greet networking - I started actively networking with my audience, treating it like a meet and greet. This face-to-face interaction made my presence more memorable and personal. TWO ↳ Resource kit via QR Code - I created a QR code for attendees to scan, giving them access to a resource kit related to my talk, like a parting gift that keeps giving. This could be my slides or additional content to help them take further action. THREE ↳ Business literature - I ensured that everyone could leave with my contact information through well-crafted business literature, making it easy for them to reach out later. FOUR ↳ Collaboration with organisers - I worked with event organisers to feature in their follow-up emails. This not only reinforced my message but also kept my name in circulation among the attendees. FIVE ↳ Post-talk conversations - Staying behind to answer questions or have further discussions showed my commitment to the audience beyond just delivering a talk. And guess what? It worked. These steps didn’t just enrich my speaking engagements; they turned each appearance into a networking opportunity. I started building a strong network, discovering great opportunities, and developing long-term relationships. Now, every time I step off the stage, the conversation isn’t over; it’s just beginning. Engaging with the audience post-talk has taught me that the true value of speaking engagements often comes after the applause stops. It’s all about the follow-up. To anyone looking to make the most out of their speaking opportunities: Don’t just share your knowledge, be ready to build lasting connections. It’s these relationships that will carry your message further and open new doors. To your successes, Zoe

Wish to decode the art of networking in corporate events? Do you go to various corporate events but struggle to establish valuable connections? It’s all about the follow up!! Strong follow-up strategies convert these events from a collection of handshakes and business cards to the starting point of potential long-term business relationships. Here are some intuitive yet impactful ways to transform those initial meetings into fruitful collaborations: 1️⃣Timeliness is Key: Follow up within 48 hours of the event. This time frame ensures your conversation is still fresh in their minds, making your outreach more meaningful. 2️⃣Personalize Your Approach: Generic emails get lost in the shuffle. Tailor your message by referencing a specific topic from your conversation. This shows genuine interest and sets the tone for a personalized connection. 3️⃣Offer Value in Your Follow-Up: Instead of a simple "nice to meet you," include something of value in your follow-up. This could be an article relevant to your discussion, an introduction to a contact in your network, or an invitation to an upcoming industry event. Providing value demonstrates that you're interested in a mutually beneficial relationship. 4️⃣Use Multiple Channels Wisely: While email is standard, don't shy away from connecting on LinkedIn with a personalized note. For deeper connections, a phone call can be more effective. Choose the medium based on the rapport you established. 5️⃣Set the Stage for the Next Interaction: Instead of leaving the conversation open-ended, propose a specific follow-up action. This could be a coffee meeting, a scheduled call to discuss potential collaborations, or an invitation to another relevant event. Remember, successful networking doesn't end at the event; it's just beginning. With these strategies, you can turn brief encounters into lasting business relationships, paving the way for growth and new opportunities. #networking #businessevents #offlineevents #meetings #B2B #GTM #ABM #marketing #linkedincreators

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

I’ve been having lots of conversations about LinkedIn for events from organisers wanting to drive visibility and engagement, to exhibitors heading to upcoming tradeshows, and everyone in between. Whether you’re hosting, exhibiting, or attending LinkedIn can help you get more out of every event: ✨ More visibility 🤝 More connections 📈 More business outcomes Yet LinkedIn is often underused in the event space. A one-and-done post. A quick thank you. A flurry of activity... then silence. But here’s the thing: the event isn’t the beginning and it shouldn’t be the end. To get the most value, LinkedIn should be part of your strategy before, during and after the event. Here’s how to make the most of it: 🌠 1. Be LinkedIn Event Ready Your profile and company page shape your first impression often before anyone meets you. They should tell a clear, credible story that aligns with your event involvement. Organiser Tip: Create a LinkedIn Brand Kit for your speakers, exhibitors, and team – banners, hashtags, talking points, and example posts. Exhibitor Tip: Use an event-themed banner to show your stand details or branding. 🌠 2. Build Relationships Before the Event The most valuable connections rarely start cold on event day. The lead-up to the event is prime time to increase visibility, build familiarity, and position yourself as someone worth connecting with or visiting at the stand. Organiser Tip: Spotlight speakers, exhibitors, and sessions early and use tags to amplify. Exhibitor Tip: Shortlist people you want to meet - clients, prospects, collaborators, media and start connecting early. 🌠 3. Maximise the Event Experience Use LinkedIn to take people behind the scenes, amplify moments as they happen, and make your presence visible to those who couldn’t attend. Organiser Tip: Have someone live post from the floor, tagging participants and sharing session soundbites. Exhibitor Tip: Make it easy for people to connect with you it creates immediate pathways to keep the conversation going. 🌠 4. Keep the Momentum Going This is the stage where most people go quiet, but this is when the real relationship-building begins. Use LinkedIn to keep the conversation going. Share your takeaways. Follow up with new connections. Repurpose content into future posts. Organiser Tip: Share a highlight post and set the stage for what’s next even a “Save the Date” works. Exhibitor Tip: Send a personalised follow-up message referencing your chat. 🌟 Key Takeaways LinkedIn is one of the most powerful tools you have to extend your event beyond the room. It allows you to build relationships before the first handshake, stay visible throughout the event and strengthen credibility and connection long after the banners are packed away. And if you'd like support to develop your own LinkedIn event strategy that's more than one and done, I’d love to help. Because showing up is just the beginning. #linkedin #events #eventmarketing

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

In today's interconnected world, virtual networking has become an essential tool for professionals seeking to expand their horizons and forge meaningful connections. As we navigate through digital spaces, the ability to make a great first impression is more important than ever. So, how can you ensure that you leave a lasting impact in the virtual realm? Let's delve into some strategies that can elevate your professionalism and make you stand out in virtual networking events. Before diving into any virtual networking event, take the time to curate your digital persona. This encompasses everything from your profile picture to your bio and even your background. In virtual networking, active engagement is key to making a memorable first impression. Take the initiative to introduce yourself to others in the event, utilizing features such as chat boxes or breakout rooms to initiate conversations. Remember to actively listen to what others have to say, offering meaningful contributions and fostering authentic connections. One of the most effective ways to make a great first impression in virtual networking is by showcasing your expertise. Share valuable insights, industry knowledge, or relevant experiences that highlight your unique perspective and capabilities. The true value of virtual networking lies in the follow-up. After the event, take the time to follow up with individuals you connected with, whether it's through a personalized email, LinkedIn message, or virtual coffee chat. Lastly, remember mastering the art of virtual networking requires a combination of preparation, engagement, expertise, and follow-up. By implementing these strategies, you can make a great first impression that resonates with your audience and sets the stage for fruitful relationships and professional growth. So, the next time you find yourself in a virtual networking event, seize the opportunity to showcase your professionalism and leave a lasting impact. Your future self will thank you for it. #virtualnetworking #professionalism #networkingtips #expertiseshowcase #careergrowth #businessnetworking National University of Singapore

Most people approach networking as if they’re trying to unlock a door. They think the trick lies in the “right message,” the “perfect ice-breaker,” or the “best line to stand out.” But networking isn’t a lock to be picked — it’s a relationship to be earned. Here’s what I’ve learned that goes beyond engagement, value, and personalization: 1. Lead with curiosity, not strategy. Don’t try to impress. Try to understand. I’ve had the most meaningful conversations not by showing how much I know, but by asking questions that show how much I care to learn. Curiosity disarms people. It makes them want to share — and when people share, bonds form. 2. Make your digital presence your warm handshake. Before you message someone, ask yourself: If they land on my profile, do they see a person worth knowing? When your content reflects your values, expertise, and personality, people feel like they already “know” you. That’s powerful. It turns cold DMs warm — even before you hit send. 3. Make it less about networking. And more about net-giving. Stop asking: “What can I get from this connection?” Start asking: “What pain can I solve? What spark can I ignite?” If your message adds joy, insight, or opportunity, people remember. Not because you stood out, but because you gave first. 4. Be unforgettable in your follow-up. Most people follow up with “just checking in.” But memorable networkers follow up with relevance. Did they post something new? Refer to it. Did you read an article that reminded you of them? Share it. Contextual follow-ups say: “I care.” And that’s rare. In short: The secret to strong networking isn’t being strategic. It’s being human. Be someone people want to talk to again — not just someone they agreed to connect with. #LinkedInNewsIndia #NetworkingTips #FinanceCommunity #PodcastingJourney #YoungProfessionals #CareerGrowth #LinkedInPremium #StockMarketRead LinkedIn News India

🎯 "In the Digital Age, anyone can be a diplomat." When I first read this, I thought: Yeah, right. If it were that simple, we'd all be diplomats. But then it clicked. Fletcher isn't saying X gives you diplomatic immunity or that posting on LinkedIn makes you the next Talleyrand. He's saying something deeper, diplomacy has moved into the public square. Reputation, trust, influence, they're no longer built exclusively behind closed doors. They happen in full view, online and offline, every single day. 👉If you're a student, the internet has lowered one massive barrier: access. You don't need to know someone who knows someone to get noticed anymore. You can just show up and share what you're learning. Write clearly about complicated topics People pay attention. Disagree respectfully? People remember you. Connect the past to present-day decisions? People start to trust you. And here's the beautiful part, opportunities come to you. Someone reads your post and invites you to an event. A professional shares your work and opens a door. An internship finds you because your thinking was visible. Your ideas become your introduction, in real time. 👉If you're already working in diplomacy or policy. The advantage isn't fame. It's reach and credibility. You can explain your country's stance without sounding defensive. Clear up confusion before it spirals into conflict. Build trust with people you'll never meet face-to-face. Tap into networks that help you solve problems faster. Digital presence becomes a kind of soft power, even at the individual level. But let's be honest, the point isn't just "post more." The point is adapt, or get left behind. Because everything evolves. People, professions, entire industries. And modern diplomacy? It happens where people actually are, which includes online. Fletcher's line isn't just clever. It's both a heads-up and an invitation. Now I'm curious, what do you think? Is the internet making diplomacy better or more dangerous? And what is the one skill you think matters most in this new era?