Attending an event can be a proactive step towards self-development, but few people maximise the potential of what they learn and who they meet. 

Here’s what you can do to ensure your networking experience lasts longer than the night before.

Use the business cards

You’ve spoken with someone useful and they felt empathy enough to pass you their business card.  Don’t let it get lost in myriad of mayhem you call your organised desk, use it for its purpose and contact the owner.  It is perfectly acceptable to call the person but if email’s your thing, drop them a line explaining where you met and suggest how to move forward.  Should you meet again?  Do you already have a proposal?

Remember, if your new acquaintance didn’t want you contacting them, they would have kept their card to themselves.

Check out the attendee list

When registering, most event organisation sites allow you to see who else is attending.  This is vital information, both prior to the event and, most definitely, after.  Tap the name of the person you want to connect with into a site such as LinkedIn and, hay-presto, you’ve got the person’s profile.  Invite them to join your network by offering them a good reason for doing so and you’ll be meeting for a coffee in no time.

You can also contact people who were unable to make the event.  This is fine.

Make the most of social media

If there’s one great thing about social media, it’s the platform it provides to connect with the previously un-contactable.  LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Bebo – these distinguishable brands are now mainstream industry tools for both private and commercial use.  Professionally, LinkedIn is the undisputed champion of social networking because it allows you to get introduced to a plethora of useful people, all interwoven through industry. 

Once you understand how LinkedIn can work for you the benefits are enormous: share thoughts with peers; source fresh contacts; engage in relevant discussions; learn about hot topics; apply to jobs; join groups pertinent to your industry and skill set. 

Warning: Don’t abuse the spirit of sites like LinkedIn, which operates on the premise of connecting with people you actually know, or, at the very least, have two-way empathy with. 

Elevate your profile

At your last event there were one hundred people just like you.  So how do make yourself remembered?  No doubt your elevator pitch on the night was amazing but people have short-term memories.  By going to the places where your new associates hang out and getting involved in their huddles, you will ensure better longevity to your greatness.  If there is a discussion post asking for feedback on the event, for example, join in.  Not only does your opinion matter it shows you care, and this altruistic approach is the essence of today’s long-game society.

Plan your diary

Familiarity breeds trust.  Everyone trusts Hovis, for example.  Why?  Because we see it on our shop shelves every single day.  So, it stands to reason that the more events you attend, the more people recognise you, so the more they see your integrity.  Your proactive steps to self-development will make others feel they need to be with you, riding your inevitable or perceived success. 

Getting recommended is undoubtedly the best way to build your network.  People buy people, which is why face-to-face interaction is so vital.  Especially in this era.

You can view the attendee list here:

Simon Lewis | Editor | Only Marketing Jobs

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