How can you build a professional relationship with someone you meet at a conference?

Networking at conferences isn't just about collecting business cards; it's the starting point for cultivating meaningful professional relationships. The key is to seek what value you can bring to them. When you meet someone at a conference, think beyond the immediate. I make it a point to follow up with a personalized message, recalling a specific part of our conversation. This shows genuine interest and sets the foundation for a relationship beyond mere acquaintance. Most importantly, always consider what unique value you can offer. Whether sharing insights from your own experiences, offering your expertise, or connecting them with others in your network, the goal is to be a valuable asset in their professional journey.

Effective networking at conferences starts with a clear goal. Before attending any conference, I take time to define who I want to meet and why. This clarity of purpose is crucial. This targeted approach isn't just about growing my network but forging connections that align with specific professional aspirations. Are they industry leaders, potential mentors, or peers? Is it for industry insights or collaborative opportunities? Next, understanding 'why' you want to meet them is just as important. How does this connection align with your professional goals? By knowing 'who' and 'why,' I enter the conference prepared, making each interaction more purposeful and paving the way for meaningful professional relationships.

You meet all sorts of people at conferences, so you might want to have a few goals in mind when you attend. You will meet peers, mentors, and influencers in your industry, and the way you communicate and connect with them will vary accordingly. Hone in on people you believe will be valuable going forward, but also don't limit yourself to "targeted people," as you really never know who you could be talking to at any moment.

Before you get to the conference or event, take a moment to gather a short list of things you're into and would be fun for you to talk about, like a book you just read, a topic related article that you'd genuinely like to discuss, or that new trend that you find surprisingly delightful and are curious if anyone else feels the same. Even if you don’t end up using any of these, just thinking about them can get your small talk wheels turning for a great introduction

I’d initiate conversations by expressing genuine interest in their work and asking insightful questions. Exchange contact information and follow up with a personalized email referencing your discussion is crucial.

If it is for a potential simple client or service provider then a quick conversation followed by exchange of business cards and promise to follow up phone call or email in next week will be sufficient so you can both make other contacts at the conference. If it is a deeper or fundamental contact then arrange the follow up meeting immediately with diaries at the conference. Otherwise, you will find that one or both of you will not get round to meeting again. Professional networking is still often about shared interests or shared experiences (travel adventures are a good conversation at a conference if you get stuck)

LinkedIn is probably the least intrusive way to follow up with somebody. Emails sometimes never get read, as our inboxes are often full of other important correspondence and lots of junk. I always connect on LinkedIn and write a message reminding my new connection where we met, while extending gratitude for taking the time to talk to me.

Relationships should be long term. Short term transactional relationships are rarely successful because they are not built on a foundation of trust.

Building a professional relationship is most beneficial when both parties bring their knowledge and expertise to the table. Unless you’re in an established mentor/mentee relationship, it can be tough to develop a genuine connection with a new person when you’re only extracting information from them. In addition to learning from them, ask what their interests are and see how you can add value. Think of ways you can collaborate on future endeavors.

I’ve had the chance to meet great people and connect with them at conferences. During almost every conversation, there has been value that can be provided on both sides for alignment on current or future initiatives for collaboration. It is one of my favorite experiences to find common goals and missions with others while building a genuine connection and trust.

I endeavor to exchange business cards with people I meet while at a conference or event. When I remember, I jot down what we talked about that sparked an interest which makes it easier to send a follow-up "hey it was really nice to chat with you about XYZ at ABC". I happen to live in a tourism destination, so I typically invite a follow-up in-person meeting if they find themselves in the area (which folks often do). When we meet up for coffee or lunch after, it's fun to continue the thread of the initial interesting conversation. People are fascinating and you'll learn a lot if you take the time to find out their story. Even if working together isn't the end result, you hopefully will uplift one another in some way, shape, or form.

1. Approachability and First Impressions: 2. Effective Networking: - Attend networking events and sessions. - Introduce yourself with a concise and engaging elevator pitch. - Ask open-ended questions to encourage conversation. - Be genuinely interested in others and actively listen to what they have to say. 3. Exchange Contact Information: - Always carry business cards and request theirs 4. Follow Up Promptly: - Send a follow-up email within a few days expressing your pleasure in meeting them. - Reference something specific from your conversation to jog their memory. - Express your interest in maintaining the connection and suggest a follow-up meeting or call.