The Event Networking Playbook
What to do when you meet someone amazing. (Hint: don't just grab their business card).
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It’s Friday afternoon, and I’m hanging out in a local tech company’s kitchen. The Olympic opening ceremony is playing in the background.
I’m across the table from the founder and his COO, and they share a story that probably sounds familiar.
They launched their business with a flagship client and an amazing referral network.
In fact, they’d done such a good job that their well was starting to dry up.
They need to meet new people. It’s time to make new friends.
Their next move is to attend a large industry event in Las Vegas.
But they’re not salespeople. (Their words, not mine.) They’re uncomfortable putting themselves out there.
Of course, they’re not alone. On top of “not feeling salesy”, so many businesses spend thousands on these events. They show up, network, and then nothing happens. (Yikes).
The business cards go in a drawer, and opportunities are lost.
It needn’t be that way.
When you meet someone amazing at an event, this is what you do:
Level 1: Book them for a meeting right there on the spot. Pull out your phone. “Let’s have a virtual coffee in two weeks. What does your Tuesday look like?”
Level 2: If they (or you) are not ready for that, offer something valuable immediately. A QR code to download a resource. An email opt-in for instant information and ongoing nurturing.
Level 3: Connect on LinkedIn.
Level 4: Grab the business card.
The long-term play is attending the same events multiple times. The touchpoints become warmer and the dinner dates grow. But only if you keep the connection alive in between.
Otherwise, your existing circle might continue to feed your business for a while. And people might find you.
But what if they don’t?
Make those business events count.
And now… I’m curious.
What’s your move when you meet someone interesting at an event?
✈️ Carry On
with Pamela Wilton
Stay in touch. Stay visible. Stay helpful. Have fun.
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