6 tips for networking at conferences

6 tips for better networking at lane end CONFERENCE • CENTRE O at Conferences Research speakers before you show up Before you attend a conference, look up the list of speakers, and even the attendees if you can. Think about using social media and e-mail to your advantage, and maybe reach out to the people you are most likely to want to spend time with. Compliments, Compliments, Compliments 2 The truth is that there's no harm in turning on the charm with potential speakers and attendees at a conference. You could use Twitter or Facebook to pay a speaker a genuine compliment during or after a speech. But at the same time, try to be genuine and establish a genuine rapport with colleagues and peers. Networking is about making friends in a professional sphere. 3. Don't forget to socialise It can be easy to forget that some of the best opportunities to meet people will crop up in the bar, or over a bite to eat between formal panels, meetings and discussions. Unwinding in a formal setting can be a great opportunity to meet like-minded people and discuss issues arising from the conference. Ask the right questions 4 It's important to remember that networking is as much about listening as talking, and that engaging with peers at a conference will involve hearing about their careers, listening to their concerns, talking about what they are working on. So listen, and then ask the right questions. Things like "who are you" and "what do you do" are a bit general, so try and tailor your questions to the person you are talking to. Credibility is key 5, You need to be visible and credible if you want to be a SUccessful networker. This means dressing snappily and making sure that your work speaks for you when you are introducing yourself. (And it helps to cover the first four points we've discussed!!!) 6 Collect business cards If you make any important contacts while at your conference, it's important to solidify them, and build on them for future business, so make sure you collect lots of business cards (and give your own out, of course) in order to consolidate those valuable conversations you will have had! Tips compiled by http://www.lane-end- conferences.co.uk/