Quelles sont les erreurs de réseautage les plus courantes lors des conférences ?

I think it's best to strike a balance between having a quick list of goals you'd like to accomplish at the conference (specific people/companies you'd like to meet, etc.), while also not letting your specific to-do list distract you from staying open and available to converse with others you may not have thought about.

My network has been the most valuable advantage in my career. Not having a networking goal when entering an event, community, or platform may mean you may miss a golden opportunity to connect with the right people at the right time.

Whilst I appreciate the need for a networking goal, I also caution people not to be too focused on a particular outcome or person. Being too focused may see you loose authenticity. Certainly, take the time to view participants, reach out and set meetings, but also take the opportunity to have random conversations at lunch, in a queue or walk up to someone that may be by themselves at a networking event, which may see you have surprising and positive results.

I agree! My most rewarding networking is when I do my pre-work! I know how I want to connect and explore. Time is of the essence so preparation is key!!

In my experience the most important thing has been going with a clear goal of not only what you hope to achieve but also who you hope to meet. If there are people there you'd like to connect with then do your research beforehand. Who are they? Where will they be? How can you help them? It's not about meeting lots of people, it's about building more meaningful connection with fewer people

Focus on establishing a connection with the individual by identifying common ground, rather than perceiving them merely as a representation of a brand and treating the interaction as purely transactional. People prefer doing business with those they find likable, making the conversation more enjoyable and memorable for everyone involved.

Research is the key in being able to identify potential business partners and collaborators. Depending on the event you may connect with someone on a purely professional level, but in the area of the creative industries, it is a more holistic symbiosis. Take the time to read up on a person and take an active interest in what they do, or they are trying to do. In my experience being able to ask the right question and make the right offering have been the clincher. Be authentic and genuine about your motivation and intentions. Otherwise it will come back to bite you and you would lost a potential opportunity.

Pushing to close a deal is mistake number one, especially with fresh contacts. Just emphasize how you can help the other party and help grow their business: inform, ask, describe potential solutions. Follow up: often neglected. But this is where the real work begins and where you trust is established.

In my experience, having the answers to a few key questions can jumpstart networking convos and optimize limited face time during an event: What is their favorite Pokémon? Is their view about pineapple on pizza flexible? Has their membership on team Jacob or team Edward changed over time?

Once you have a goal in mind just go for it. Maybe the conference is just a channel to get involved and your main objective is other. Look for your objectives and market.

Not following up after the event is one of the biggest mistakes people make. It can be as simple as sending them a message on LinkedIn. Just don't go in with a sale in mind, unless that is what you've talked about when you met. Genuine connections and building a relationship will pay more in the long run.

The key difference I've seen between those who create effective networks and those who don't is the simple act of following up. Take the time--at least once a day during an event--to write down the name, company, and role of each connection you've made, making note of what you discussed and any action items. If business cards are exchanged, write directly on their card. Take a pic of each card and its associated notes so you don't misplace it. Once back in the office, follow up within a workweek. Even if you had no specific action items with a person, send an email or message saying it was nice to meet them. For the substantial connections, request a call to solidify the connection.

After conferences, attendees are distracted with daily work and responsibilities. Don't rely on a brochure or business card you gave them. A simple email or text a week later to say, "Thanks for your time; it was a pleasure meeting you" can remind them who you are. If they respond positively, you can always take it step further by seeing if you can help solve a challenge they may be facing. Be part of their solution.

A good way of building network and contacts is to actually reaching out after your first work together. Just a quick hi and recap of your joint Experience helps building network.

Don't just come back from a networking event with a stack of business cards or new contacts in your phone if you're not planning on reaching out. If nothing else, just to leave a quick note to say you enjoyed meeting them. Not every interaction has to come with an expectation of doing business right there. It's about planting seeds and cultivating real, meaningful relationships that can be mutually beneficial to all parties.

If you aren’t authentic or genuine, it will be apparent pretty quickly. First, try to make a connection with your colleague. Resist the urge to go right into your pitch. As you’re listening, see if there’s an area that you may be able to add value. Build the relationship, then add value to it.

The heavy, longwinded hard sell is off putting and will only shorten the interaction Not showing interest in others. A continuous monologue relaying his great you are simply stifles the conversation Not reading the body language of others and the flow and atmosphere of the room. This skill can save avoidable disappointments Not being relaxed, open, authentic and making eye contact Not having a means of capturing or giving contact details Not having a clear sentence or two introducing yourself

If you're at a conference to hand out business cards to everyone you meet, you're not there to network. We need to be mindful of who we engage and why we want to continue the conversation.

It's really easy to tell when someone isn't being authentic and that will discourage people from wanting to build a working relationship with you.

Para ser auténtico, es importante hacer una autoevaluación honesta de tus fortalezas, debilidades, y valores, y estar dispuesto a compartir tus verdaderas pasiones e intereses. Esto no significa que debas exponer cada detalle personal desde el primer momento, sino ser honesto en tus interacciones y coherente con tus valores. Además, la autenticidad también implica reconocer cuando no sabes algo. La curiosidad genuina y la voluntad de aprender de los demás pueden ser tan impresionantes como compartir tus propios logros.

Found out that most people just want to talk about themselves and not listening to others. Which defeat the purpose of networking. U need to know what i do so that i could be of use in your networking.

If you listen to others it has 2 great effects: - you might learn a lot new stuff - the person you are listening to gets more and more commited in your conversation. So if you are trying to sell something the chances will grow with listening.

Not listening is a big pet peeve of mine. I remember someone coming up to me to converse, I listened to them and when it was my turn to share, their eyes were not focused on me but looking around the room. First impressions matter, and not listening or engaged sends a message that you could be self centered. We have to be mindful when at networking events that conversations involve more than one person, listening should be top priority because great seeds of opportunity could be standing in front of you.

The common mistake people often make at conferences is not giving attention to others. If you dominate the chat, interrupt individuals, or disregard their signals, it will create the impression that you are impolite, self-important, and unengaged. Alternatively, it is recommended that you actively listen, inquire using open-ended queries, and display empathy. Engaging in active listening will enable you to gain insights from others, comprehend their requirements, and provide valuable contributions.

Listening is a key skill. One has to be open, humble, present, and aware to listen actively and respond with clear intention.

In my experience, personality is everything. And your essence won't come across if you're not having fun. Real connection happens when there's joy in the moment.

Networking can be really hard, it’s time consuming, tiring, and work, but it doesn’t have to just be that way. Networking allows you to meet people you normally wouldn’t get to, learn things, and create new relationships. Being authentic and enjoying what you’re doing is how you can get the most out of networking at a conference. If you aren’t having fun then you aren’t doing it right!

Doing your research, preparing, networking, etc. — all of these are important, but enjoying your time while doing so makes it so much easier and others are more attracted to positive energy rather than tension. So remember to have fun while you’re out there!

Yes I agree! Be yourself if you can. People buy from people. I try and chat about things outside of work first and then if we get on possibly chat about our professions.

To show that you are having fun makes you interesting, shows a positve attitude and makes it easier to get connected. Its all about having the ability to make the right fun at the right moment and to be authentic.

It may sound obvious but for me the most difficult part was to start, to make first step, first connection. But understanding that everyone in the room is here for the same reason - networking, really makes you free from concerns.

As a seller you should love and trust on your product, be always patience and never pushy. Probably you will need to show up again next years and tell them a joke.(do not expect to make any business after a speed dating meeting of 4 minutes...it will be a miracle). Also buyers hate the follow ups unless what u have is exactly what they are looking for.... They will be surprised and they will ask you what do you do here? What are you selling? AS a buyer, try to be always polite and friendly, listen what they offer you and if you are not interested be honest and tell them that. They will apreciate it very much.

One key element missing is to put the onus on the organization hosting the networking session. The attendee can meet all of these requirements but if the organization is not ready to set attendees up for success, it does not matter. This can start with the communication sent to attendees to establish expectations. It can be designing the event space to that it fosters a calm environment. It can also be providing icebreakers for those who are introverts and need some help connecting and talking to other people. Both sides have a role, but the event host has to lead this effort.

Approach networking events with a selfless mindset. Make it a priority to understand others’ goals, challenges, and needs by listening intently and asking about their purpose for attending, the primary obstacles they face, and their ideas for overcoming these hurdles. If you can’t help them, offer to broaden their network by letting them know that you’ll connect them with individuals who could assist, should you encounter any at the event. This approach fosters genuine connections, encouraging others to reciprocate and expand your reach.

Being over-zealous is rarely a benefit. Often we are tempted to mistake putting our best foot forward with plunging into a sales pitch with a total stranger. Be presentable, be engaging, but be real. They don’t like being bombarded any more than you like strangers on your doorstep. Think of it like your LinkedIn inbox. When a stranger sends me a message, my first thought is, “I wonder what this one is gonna try to sell me?” THINK LONG-TERM! If you want trust and communication with a networker, BUILD that trust like a business. They may need what you have to offer, but utilizing a long-term approach, even if it is short-lived with some, will generate more value between parties over time.