You’re attending a networking event in Creative Strategy. How can you maximize your connections?

Networking events are a bit like Sales in both cases you want to make someone interested, connected to what you present. If you come to an event only with your goals in mind, it's like Sales that mostly fail. The trick here and in good Salespeople is that you are selling (your goal) without selling. Don't talk only about what you want and what you can etc. I think the key to successful networking is Curiosity accompanied by the awareness of your Goals, which eventually directs well that curiosity.

At a networking event, understanding your goals is paramount for maximizing connections. Clearly defining what you aim to achieve allows you to focus conversations, build meaningful relationships, and identify opportunities for collaboration. Whether it's seeking partnerships, job opportunities, or industry insights, a strategic approach aligned with your goals enhances the effectiveness of networking efforts, ensuring meaningful connections that contribute to professional growth.

To maximize connections at a Creative Strategy networking event, begin with a clear goal: identify the types of professionals you want to meet. Prepare an engaging elevator pitch that succinctly explains your role and interests. Actively listen and show genuine interest in others' work, asking insightful questions. Exchange business cards or contact details for follow-up. Utilize social media platforms like LinkedIn to connect immediately and send personalized messages post-event. Participate in group discussions and workshops to showcase your expertise. Finally, offer value through your own insights or potential collaborations, creating meaningful and reciprocal professional relationships.

Getting the most from events requires two things: Planning and Serendipity. Planning is first. Look at who will be there. Research what they have said before, their focus and their thinking. Prioritize who you want to talk with and connect with 2 or 3 people that are the most relevant in advance to try and organize a conversation. Be clear in the purpose of the conversation and why you think you can add value to their thinking of what would make it interesting for them. Don't ask too many people. Just a few. And then also write about 3 topics you want to discuss more generally. This is where Serendipity happens. It's not by accident but by being clear with others what your interest is, and they will help make those connections for you.

Networking is a two-way street. By being proactive, friendly, and genuinely interested in others, you can establish meaningful connections that may lead to future collaborations and opportunities.

At a creative strategy networking event, maximizing connections involves more than just exchanging business cards. Adding value by actively listening, sharing insights, and fostering genuine conversations establishes rapport. Following up with personalized messages expressing gratitude and referencing specific discussions reinforces connections. It's not merely about quantity but the quality of interactions, nurturing relationships that extend beyond the event and potentially lead to collaborative opportunities.

Way too many people network very transactionally, just exchanging cards or adding folks on LinkedIn and immediately thinking about how to "use" these new contacts. Instead, do not think about future "use" of the contacts when you are talking to them. Talk to them as a human being to another human being, conscious of whether you are adding knowledge and value to the conversation and therefore to the person you are conversing with.

It's not just about collecting contacts; it's about cultivating relationships. So, here's what else to remember: nurture connections through ongoing engagement, offer value, and maintain authenticity to build a network that transcends the event itself.