Business Development

Build Your Network and Maximize Your Conference Experience

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By Wendy Terwelp

The pressure to net a return on your conference investment can be daunting: so many great speakers, sessions, people, and vendors.

In the following few paragraphs, I’ll show you how to create meaningful business connections before, during, and after a conference to help you reach your goals and get the most from your conference experience while ensuring ROI for you, your team, and your boss.

Before: Plan Ahead

Creating a conference strategy and networking plan well in advance of the event will save you time and yield better results.

Set goals. Who do you wish to meet at this event? If you wish to meet speakers, name them. How many new people do you want to meet? Choose a specific number of new people to meet each day you’re at the conference. Connect with colleagues from past conferences a few weeks ahead of the event, so you can coordinate a meetup if they’re also attending.

Conference networking is a chance to learn from peers and experts and solidify relationships that can propel your career. Planning ensures you connect and meet your networking goals.

Get Social. 

Review your social media accounts ahead of the conference. Ensure your professional photo on social channels is current and that your social media bios and contact information are up-to-date and on-brand for your goals.

Schedule posts in advance of the event so you remain visible and stay top of mind while traveling.

Follow the conference’s hashtag and participate in conversations in real-time, when you can. You can also connect with new people, as well as other colleagues, and set up a time to meet onsite.

I once planned a guest spot for my conference session using X/Twitter’s DM (direct message) feature. It’s a terrific networking tool when you’re not in the same state or the same country.

Are you speaking at the conference? Provide valuable and helpful tips about your session topic on your social media channels and include the conference hashtag. Are you a conference-going pro, but not speaking? Share tips about the conference city, not-to-miss speakers, and conference-related events such as Networking Night.

Be Selfie Ready. The city will be filled with conferencegoers, people you need to know, even when you’re grabbing breakfast or having a cocktail with friends after a day of training. Also, everyone’s got a camera on their smartphone. You want to look fab in those photos, whenever and wherever they’re taken, dress appropriately.

During: Make Connections that Count

At the event, with its numerous people, sessions, and activities, it can be overwhelming for many.

These tips below will help you network effectively during the event – and beyond.

Ask Open-ended Questions.

“Is this your first conference?” is not an open-ended question because the person you ask will either say “yes” or “no.” Instead, ask, “What was your favorite session thus far and why?” or “Whose session are you hoping to see most?” or “What’s one concept you learned and are bringing back to your employer?”

Asking open-ended questions will encourage more conversation and learning from other attendees beyond the sessions. At one conference, an attendee shared a great synopsis of a session he loved, including voice demonstrations of the participants. Not only was this recap fun, but I got key takeaways about a session I missed.

By asking open-ended questions and showing genuine interest in others, you can easily turn casual connections into new friendships and collaborations.

Get a Seat at the Table — with Strangers.

Whether you’re sitting in a session, having lunch, or waiting in line, you’ve got an opportunity to meet a new person and network.

To ensure you have a successful interaction, have a sound bite ready. When people ask, “So, what do you do?” you’ll be prepared and stand out with a benefit-driven statement.

Connect with a Business Card or via LinkedIn. 

When you ask open-ended questions, you’ll uncover at least one unusual or interesting thing you learned about each person you meet. Jot it down on the back of his or her business card along with the date and session where you met.

No card? Connect on LinkedIn. Then later, message them with a thank you and a reminder of the session or networking event where you met.

This strategy will help you follow up with your new contacts after the show. By reviewing your notes, you’ll better recall each person, and you can use your memory jogger to refresh your new connection’s memory when you follow up.

Use Social Media During the Conference. 

Join the conference conversation online. An easy start? The conference app tracks social media posts using the conference hashtag in real-time. Jump in!

Attend Conference Networking Events.

Many side events are happening during a conference run, including vendor-sponsored meetups, book signings, dinners, and social gatherings. There is always something to do at the end of the conference day. To find out the latest, check your social feeds for the conference hashtag as well as conference resources like the onsite information booth, registration swag bag, conference app, and expo vendors.

Choose one and bring a new friend or coworker with you. You’ve got your sound bite and some open-ended questions – you’re ready to rock.

After: Follow Up

Follow up. While some conferencegoers are no longer using business cards since COVID, many still are, and you’ll walk away with dozens of business cards when heading home. That’s where the memory jogger is useful. If you promised you’d send a person an article on the topic you discussed, do it!

Stay connected. I prefer connecting on LinkedIn at conferences because it’s easy to stay in touch (and top of mind). Plus, you can learn more about each person via their LinkedIn profile.

When you make a conference action plan, it allows you to be confident, comfortable, and ready to rock your conference experience. You’ve got this!

To help get the most from your next conference, get my FREE Conference Networking Action Plan.

Wendy Terwelp wrote the book on networking, “Rock Your Network®,” which includes even more networking tips! She writes, speaks, and coaches on networking, personal branding, and career development. Need a speaker for your next event? Let’s chat!

How to Remember Names

Wendy Terwelp 2 Comments

One of your favorite tunes just popped up on your music stream.

You’re singing along loudly. But you cannot for the life of you remember who sings that song, and it is driving you nuts.

All you’re trying to recall is a name.

The same thing can happen at networking events and when networking online. Group Zoom or breakout rooms anyone?

You remember her face, you think, but the name escapes you. And she is not wearing a name tag. Or you met through a Zoom event only this person had no video and shared only their first name on the screen. Shoot!

What s in a name? It’s the one word that’s music to your listener’s ears. If you’re great with faces but have a tough time remembering names. Here are some steps you can take to help make remembering names easier for you:

 

Introduce yourself first.

Use your first and last name. The person you re connecting with is probably having a tough time remembering your name too. Introducing yourself first will put him or her at ease.

 

Listen for, and repeat, the name.

You’ve given him your name, now it’s time to remember his. Listen for it. The reason most of us immediately forget other’s names is that we weren’t really paying attention in the first place.

For example, “Hi! I’m Wendy Terwelp, nice to meet you. And you are?”

“I’m Bob Smith, likewise,” says Bob.

Repeat the name immediately. Repeat it aloud if you are meeting someone, “Bob Smith? Great! What brings you to this event, Bob?”

Do not over-repeat. I once went to a networking event, and someone must have heard this tip. I think he said my name at least three or four times in a short amount of time.

It sounded like this, “Wendy, great to meet you Wendy. How s everything going, Wendy?”

I thought to myself, “Now that was a bit over the top.”

If you’re in a meeting where everyone is introducing themselves, repeat the name to yourself silently.

 

Anchor the name by attaching a physical action.

A firm handshake is perfect if the interaction is personal, but if you are simply listening to a round of introductions, spell out the person’s name with the forefinger of your writing hand in the palm of your other hand as you mentally repeat the name to yourself.

During meetings, I m a big note taker, so I’ll often write down people’s names if I am at a group meeting or participating in a group Zoom call or webcast. Writing the name helps me remember, plus I’ll make a note about the person, what they do (if it’s mentioned), what company they work for, and so on. This helps me reconnect with them later.

“Bob, great to see you again. How s everything going for you at ACME?”

 

Review all the names.

Mentally recall each new person during introductions. If there are more than 20 people, keep reviewing the most recent 20 people’s names as the introductions continue. If you are interacting with one person, use that person’s name several times, but don t be too obvious.

Another technique in reviewing a person’s name is to introduce that person to others.

For example, “Bob, have you met Janet? Janet, this is Bob Smith.”
 

Associate the names.

Alliteration is especially helpful for large groups or if more than one person has the same first name. Barbara in blue, Mary the mortgage broker, or Frank the financial planner can help you remember who is who.

I’ve also associated a person’s name with someone famous, “Oh Justin, like Justin Timberlake? Great to meet you.” “Ruth, like notorious RBG? Cool. Great to meet you.”

During your brief conversation you may discover interesting facts. Put this on the back of the person’s business card. For example, Mary speaks seven languages. Ramona used to be a professional juggler!

If you don’t get a business card or this is an online networking event, you can make a note on a notepad (writing helps with retention) or in your smartphone’s notepad section. You can also connect later via LinkedIn and mention what you learned in your personalized invitation to connect.

“Hi Jean, great to meet you at the BBB online networking event today! Fun to hear about your business and interest in live music concerts. Let’s connect here on LinkedIn and keep the conversation going.”

 

Follow up.

If you make promises to others during your networking event or meeting it is important to follow up promptly. If you promised to send them an article on their topic of interest, jot that down on their business card or in your notes, then do it the next day.

 

Coaching Challenge:

Time to test out your name recall techniques. Schedule your next networking event or Zoom group meeting and use the tips to ensure you remember attendees’ names for fast and easy follow up.

Share in the comments! What’s one of your best tips for remembering names?

© 1998 – 2021 Wendy Terwelp | Opportunity Knocks of Wisconsin, LLC | All rights reserved. | Excerpt from Rock Your Network®.

 

6 Tips to Create a Networking Plan that Works

Wendy Terwelp 1 Comment

Would you like to get more results when you network? Here’s how to create a networking plan that works:

1. Schedule a regular time each week to network. Without a plan, we all get busy, and suddenly, when we need it most, our network is outdated or scattered. By scheduling regular time in your calendar to network, it not only gets done, but you’ll feel more confident and comfortable in networking situations, avoid binge-watching your fave show, and meet people who want to help you propel your career. People want to help you and see you succeed.

Think about how you feel when you help others, whether it’s recommending a favorite restaurant or referring someone to your preferred service provider, like a financial advisor, lawyer, career coach, or other service.

2. Schedule 10 minutes each day to use social media. I say 10 minutes or you’ll end up down the internet rabbit hole. Determine what actions you’ll take online. Here are a few to try: status updates, relevant links that demonstrate your thought leadership, and quick emails to those who’ve updated their statuses with wins. For example, if you read your LinkedIn notifications and a friend has landed a new position or received an award, send her a brief congratulatory note.

3. Determine which offline, in-person groups you will join and how often they meet. Take an active role in the organization, such serving as the chapter ambassador. This helps you meet more people and overcome some of the jitters of being in a new group. Click here for ideas on which groups to join.

4. Set networking goals for yourself. For example, when attending a new group, set a goal to meet three new people. Three people who need to know about you based on your career or business goals. Write this goal in your calendar where you’ve scheduled the meeting.

5. Prepare and rehearse your sound bite. Networking can take place any time, any where. Be prepared.

6. Update your network regularly with the action steps you’ve taken. If a friend referred you to a contact and you set up an informational interview, let your friend know that you made the connection and got results.

You’ve got to fuel your network to fire it up! Scheduling networking activities makes your network thrive. And regular contact with those in your network will help you achieve your career goals much faster.

Want more networking tips? Check out Rock Your Network®, the book.

Copyright 1998-2019 Wendy Terwelp | All rights reserved.

Wendy Terwelp, author of Rock Your Network®, writes, speaks, and coaches on career management, networking, social media, and personal branding. Need a speaker for your association, company or private coaching to rock your career? Let’s talk!

How to Use Social Media to Boost Your Personal Brand

Wendy Terwelp 6 Comments

Personal branding on social media can feel overwhelming for some professionals and consultants. Maybe you’ve struggled with it, too.

You want to be warm and approachable, but you don’t want to overshare. You want to be professional and polished, but you don’t want to be thought of as the boring guest at the cocktail party.

Decide How You Want to be Known

The first thing to do when using social media to uplevel your personal brand is to decide how you want to be known.

Pick a subject you’d like to focus on so you become THE Expert on that subject. This should be a topic you’re excited about because you’ll be sharing and writing about it for some time to become known as a Subject Matter Expert.

Choose Your Networks

While some gurus advise you should be on all the social media platforms, most professionals and consultants find their clients and cohorts stick to one or two social networks, depending on their industry or profession.

Don’t stress about this. Simply pick the two social networks where you get the most traction. These two social networks are ones you’ll update daily.

Keep Your Social Media Profiles Consistent

Review your profiles on all your social media channels. Would someone unfamiliar with you or your brand be able to tell you’re the same person on each social media channel?

If not, it’s time to align your social media accounts. Use the same profile picture, bio, and header image across all your social platforms. This makes it easy for visitors to recognize your brand, regardless of the social network they’re using.

Post Frequently

Maintain an active profile on your industry’s and your target audience’s most popular social networks. (A target audience consists of people who need to know about you.)

Some networks are better for posting multiple times a day (like X/Twitter), while for others, posting only 2-3 times a day (or a week) works better. This is another reason to choose only one to three platforms; activity helps you gain traction with your target audience. You also want to be able to effectively manage the social media channels you choose.

A dormant account can negatively impact your online brand.

To determine the best posting frequency, run a few short experiments. This will help you discover how frequently you should post and what times work best for your followers.

If you’re unsure what to post, follow the 4 out of 5 rule. This rule means posting 4 pieces of valuable content to your audience for every 1 piece of promotional content. Don’t be afraid to promote great content to your followers, even if you didn’t write it. When you’re the one who shares the latest news in your industry, followers will view you as the go-to source of trends and news in your industry. Curating great content counts.

Join Communities

Once you gain some traction with your personal brand on social media, look for communities of like-minded professionals or your ideal client tribe. Facebook and LinkedIn have groups. While some channels may use different terms for these communities, they all mean the same thing: an online gathering of people around one central subject, whether that subject is learning and development, social media, HR, healthcare, etc.

The great thing about groups is that they allow you to form connections with other members and give them value.

It’s also an easy way to do customer research and create your own professional learning network. You can discover what questions your audience frequently asks, what they struggle with, and what they would love to know more about.

Using social media to brand and enhance your online reputation is brilliant. Just remember to post and share valuable content that benefits your target audience.

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Wendy Terwelp is an award-winning career expert and personal branding strategist who works with high-performing leaders and organizations wanting to advance careers, rock networks, and up-level their brands online and offline. Click the link to get your free personal brand self-assessment.

© Wendy Terwelp / www.knocks.com / All rights reserved. / Updated 2024.

We are an affiliate partner of Postoplan.

Owning Your Personal Brand Starts with YOU

Wendy Terwelp 3 Comments

When it comes to designing your personal brand, it’s essential to understand yourself. If you don’t, you can’t possibly represent your best self to your ideal clients and others who need to know about you, like colleagues, cohorts, and coworkers. You need to know how you’re wired and be able to communicate this effectively. From there, people will choose whether to work with you or not based on what you’ve shared about yourself.

Understand how others see you.

Do you know how others see you and how you come across at work? If not, take a survey. Ask friends, family, colleagues, coworkers, managers, and others whom you trust what they think your top five skills are and the top three words that come to mind when they think of you.  

By knowing who you are, what you want, and what makes you unique, you will be able to clearly communicate your goals and unique value to people in your network, whether they’re internal people from other departments, potential clients, or potential employers.

Consider your top priorities.

Your top priorities can help you design your personal brand and attract your ideal client or other professionals who need to know about you to help you advance your career. One healthcare executive I coached regularly posts photos of her marathons, family, and speaking engagements. This shows she has a solid work/life balance with a focus on health, and can easily wow an audience. Ideal positioning to attract leadership opportunities in healthcare, her target audience. She landed a senior leadership role with a major healthcare organization and was also elected to chair a board with her professional association.

By sharing her interests and values online and off, she’s attracted people and organizations with similar values, which helped advance her career. (That and a stellar work history with bottom-line results.)

Choose your career goals.

Choosing your career focus is an important part of your personal brand. When you love what you do, that enthusiasm is going to shine through to your potential clients and other professionals in alignment with your brand – and your career – and attract them to you. As a result, people will be eager to work with you.

Before you decide on your career focus, it can be helpful to consider other jobs you’ve worked. What did you enjoy doing—presentations, leading others, teaching, etc.? What did you hate doing—researching, administrative tasks, etc.? When you know what you enjoy, you can fill your business and career with more of those tasks. As for the tasks you hate, consider delegating or outsourcing them to someone who enjoys them.

Own your experience.

There are many ways you can show your expertise. Maybe you’ve been quoted in a popular trade magazine, news media, or well-known website. Maybe you’ve been thanked for your insight or your help with a difficult project. Ask for recommendations about your work on LinkedIn or, with permission, display your recommendations and testimonials on your website or blog.

Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through your work. Enhancing and owning your personal brand can help you create a career you’ll love for years to come.

For more help up-leveling your personal brand to attract right-fit opportunities to you, book a complimentary Clarity Call with me and we’ll discuss your career, goals, and next steps. If your organization wants to up-level career mobility with your personnel and attract top talent, check out my online and in-person programs.

© Wendy Terwelp / www.knocks.com / All rights reserved.

Wendy Terwelp is an award-winning career expert and personal branding strategist who works with high-performing leaders and organizations who want to advance careers, rock networks, and up-level their brands online and off. Follow her @wendyterwelp.