You're drowning in a sea of people at a networking event. How do you find your way to success?

Navigating a crowded networking event can be overwhelming, here are some strategies to get the most from each event: Set Clear Goals: Define why you’re attending and what you hope to achieve. Quality Over Quantity: Focus on meaningful conversations with like-minded individuals. Be Approachable: Smile, maintain eye contact, and initiate friendly conversations. Listen Actively: Ask questions and show genuine interest in others’ experiences. Craft an Elevator Pitch: Create a concise introduction about yourself and your work. Use Technology Wisely: Consider apps for organizing information. Follow Up: Send personalized emails after the event, mentioning specific details. Remember, it’s about building meaningful relationships! 🤝✨

Seek higher ground - that's the adage to remember whenever you are "stuck or lost" because you will get a different perspective and bird's eye view! In this instance, the higher ground is the reception desk at the event. Ask for the organizer, share your objectives, and ask them for referrals to speak with. Don't be surprised when you are connected to the people you want to meet simply because you ask. Life doesn't give you what you deserve; Life gives you what you ask for. Of course, this works best if you have done your homework and you can add value to the people at the event. Good luck!

Use the Rule of 3. Approach groups of 3 or 5 so you can have a one-on-one conversation, unless you perceive that the group is closed.

Networking in a large group can be overwhelming, it’s helpful to assess the room first to see who seems most open to conversation (I prefer by the refreshment stand, grabbing a glass of water keeps you looking busy before you decide where to move in!) Start off by being engaging and embrace others with eye contact and a smile and introduce yourself, most people will open up right away and start with an open ended question to get the conversation going. You’ll break the ice when you get others to open and and you excuse confidence!

En la preparación al evento, habrás identificado qué empresas o personas pueden asistir y son de tu interés. Busca información o noticias recientes sobre la empresa, porque te ayudará a tener temas de conversación. Memoriza las caras para saber a quién dirigirte. Y busca el momento adecuado para interactuar: es mejor no hablar con toda tu lista que crear una mala primera imagen.

Before you go to a networking event, of course you need to know who you’re interested in meeting. Additionally- have a list of items that you’re curious to walk away with knowing more about. If there’s a high profile speaker that might be a good connection make a connection with them! Most people will generally avoid making a direct connection with that speaker because they’ll be intimidated. But it’s worth it. And they are often more open to meeting you thank you realize.

Be sure to connect with them on LinkedIn, either during or after the event. LinkedIn has a QR code you can have available on your phone for this purpose.

Networking seems to be a common sounding but has a large impact in today’s world. Make a way to find out the best person to communicate with. Always be mindful in choosing, you need to find a person that’s worth of at least 10 connections around. If you successfully do so, your network is raised to 11 on spot. This way you can expand your circle, get their LinkedIn, stay connected, look for updates. Ask them for any recommendations or references. It’s not just from their side, you gotta give it back the same way when someone looks something from you.

NB: networking = winning ❗❗ 1️⃣ Do as much as you can .... 2️⃣ Think quality, not quantity .... 3️⃣ NB: real work starts after event Best of luck 🍀