Emily Mills’ Post

Are networking events worth it? Here is what I have to say.

Your step-by-step strategy to meeting the RIGHT people networking at conferences! In the run-up to conference season (especially with #BIBA24 around the corner!), attending conferences can be a golden opportunity to expand your professional network, but knowing how to meet the right people is key. Here’s my straightforward strategy to help you connect effectively... 🍟 1 - Identify the people you want to meet before the Event Research the list of speakers, sponsors, and attendees if available. Prioritise who you want to meet based on their relevance to your professional goals. LinkedIn and conference apps are great tools for this. 🍟 2 - Plan your approach Craft a few questions or conversation starters tailored to each person or group you aim to meet. This personal touch shows genuine interest and preparation. 🍟 3 - Know your response to "So what do you do?" It will come up - you already know this. so plan your answer (/mini elevator pitch) accordingly, and how you can make it relevant to people you meet 🍟 4 - Use the Conference schedule to your advantage Look at the agenda and pinpoint when these key individuals might be more accessible, such as during coffee breaks, in workshops, or right after their talks. 🍟 5 - Plan your contact method and note taking Make sure you've got a phone charged, business cards ready and ability to make notes on what you need to follow up with. This will refine your" right person" strategy for future too. 🍟 6 - Use your existing network Work out (via LinkedIn, or asking directly) mutual friends for introductions. If you are completely new to this, then of course use this conference to make the future mutual friends you will want! 🍟 7 - Follow Up Appropriately IT IS ALL IN THE FOLLOW-UP! Do something with the information you collect and relationships you build. This means you have capitalised on the opportunities and made them the "Right people"! As always in the follow-up, reference specific details from your conversation to reinforce the connection. By following these steps, you’ll not only meet the right people at your next conference but also make meaningful connections that WILL lead to future opportunities. In the photo, Conference event and networking extraordinaire Emma Chapman!! #networking #conferences #careerdevelopment

Let us tailor the Virtual Retreat to your preferences! What content sparks your interest the most? A. Engaging Panel Discussions B. Global Perspectives C. Unmissable Networking Opportunities D. Knowledge Enhancement Sessions Drop your choices below and get ready for an event that caters to what matters most to you! Register today: https://shorturl.at/mqwE2 #VirtualRetreat #Networking #InteractiveSessions

Let us tailor the Virtual Retreat to your preferences! What content sparks your interest the most? A. Engaging Panel Discussions B. Global Perspectives C. Unmissable Networking Opportunities D. Knowledge Enhancement Sessions Drop your choices below and get ready for an event that caters to what matters most to you! Register today: https://shorturl.at/mqwE2 #VirtualRetreat #Networking #InteractiveSessions

Why I’m Cutting Back on Networking Events Networking can be a tremendous source of valuable insights. 🌐 However, I've found that attending every event can sometimes feel like running a marathon with no finish line. ⏳ After some reflection, I realized that knowledge without application is like a GPS without a destination—yielding no real results. ⚡ Now, I’m focusing on being more selective with the events I attend, ensuring that I can effectively apply what I learn to my work. How do you strike that balance between networking and application? 🚀 #Networking #ProfessionalGrowth #LearningAndApplication #StrategicNetworking #WorkSmart #BalanceIsKey

🤗💬 What's your go-to? As you might've guessed, I've been hitting up the networking scene pretty hard these past few months. And surprise, surprise, I'm kinda digging it! 😄 BUT I'm curious, are you a networking nut too? What's your secret sauce for meeting fresh faces and cool companies? Is it all about those online meetings or are you more into the face-to-face events? 🤔 Sure, virtual events mean no travel and hello, comfy trousers ! 😂 But there's something about those in-person meetings, right? They're a blast and hey, who said networking has to be all stiff and formal? 💁♀️ I mean, one time I laughed so hard my cheeks were sore for days! 😂 Anyone want to take a wild guess at where I'll be networking this week? 🎉 #NetworkingEvents #NetworkingUK #OnlineNetworkEvents #VirtualAssistantUK #VirtualAssistantHiring #HelpingYouSucceed #EventSupport #PropertyManagement #BuyLetsUK #TravelManagement

Feeling lost when it comes to networking at the workplace or corporate events? Don’t stress, communication is a skill you can learn and master! Here are some expert tips to help you talk to anyone, anywhere: Source : https://lnkd.in/gx7iXFmn #CommunicationSkills #Networking #SoftSkills #ProfessionalDevelopment #ConversationStarters

Attending symposiums is a great opportunity to network with others while improving your profession or business. Networking provides several personal and professional benefits. However, networking at the event may be difficult or stressful for certain people. Here are a few tips for efficient networking during the event: 1. Arrive Early. Arriving early allows you to strike up talks with a wide range of people. You don't have to worry about other people because it's not too crowded. 2. Wear a Name Tag on the Right. Name tag placement is a necessary thing for networking events like symposiums. Wearing your name tag on the right side makes it easier for others to recognize you when you shake hands. 3. Don’t hesitate to join group conversations. When some group has a conversation, don’t hesitate to join them. Start by listening and then contribute when you can add some points. 4. Exit Gracefully. If you want to leave the conversation, leave the conversation in a manner by ensuring that is done smoothly and politely without causing any discomfort or offense. By recognizing these points, you can maintain professionalism and leave a positive impression, which is crucial for effective networking. Follow for more! #AsiaSymposiums #Tips #Networking #Event #30secondGuide

It sure was another fun day at today's SINergy Networking North America event! There were plenty of connections, interactions & laughs, that made for a fun & entertaining day. And it's always great to see some new attendees. Congratulations to Dr Christiaan Willems who was our Showcase Business winner. Our "Early Bird' winners at today's event were Kristine Best & Marie Mason, who were the first people to join the event. It pays to be early, so you can showcase you & your business. The 4 C's winner was @Alohana Jackson who had done a 1:1. The SINergy Spin The Bottle Connection Winners were Adrian Armstrong & @Jim Barker, who will organise a 1:1 with each other & let the group know what they took away from their 1:1 at next week's event. And a huge thank you to Dominic P. & Ian Kingwill who were previous SINergy Spin The Bottle Connection Winners, for sharing what they took away from their 1:1. They both shared the true value of 1:1's in networking. Linda-Joy Benn, Burnout strategist for business professionals shared some fantastic business tips that added tremendous value to the day. The SINergy Award this week was @LindaJoy Benn, who invited the most new people to the event. If you would like to be the winner next week, make sure you invite the most new attendees to the event. If you're interested in meeting a great community of small business owners from around the world, who are focused on connections & collaboration & would like to have the opportunity to showcase your business, then join us via the link below every Tuesday (Eastern time - USA) at 5.30pm. Join Zoom via https://lnkd.in/gktXBRt2 It's the same link to join all SINergy Networking events. No need to register. The SINergy Australia event is on Mondays at 5.30pm (Eastern time - USA) or Tuesdays at 7.30am (Brisbane time). See you next week. #SINergyNetworking #Networking #NetworkingCommunity

Event ideas for the week. So I used to do a weekly 'Sunday Scheduling' post with a long list of networking event suggestions. It began to take a long time to prepare so now it's just used with clients. However, since I still get asked for ideas in my area (or people simply get nosey about what events I'm attending), I thought this might be a nice alternative. 3 things from my diary this week and an invitation to anyone who sees this to share 3 things in their diary, particularly any networking or business events, courses, talks, webinars that might be of interest to others. Feel free to share your links or details too. Or just share what you're up to to give contacts a flavour of your working week. Here's my 3 ideas: 1. Monday 3/6 - John Cooper is running Art+Work - a Manchester networking event bringing together creatives and businesses; 2. Thursday 6/6 - Warrington Chamber of Commerce & Industry (Stephen Fitzsimons) and Warrington Business Exchange (Jackie Emson) are running an AI conference in Warrington with several great speakers; and 3. Imminent - I hear that TEDxNorthwich tickets go on sale very soon for any TEDx fans in the NorthWest (Samantha Newey). How's your week looking and what can you share? #connection #collaboration #networking #community #relationshipmarketing #events #TEDx