Tips for Networking in Large Crowds

How to Network Better at Tech Conferences 🚀  Tech conferences are a goldmine for building valuable connections, but many people either overthink networking or don’t approach it strategically. Here’s how to make the most of your time and build meaningful relationships:  1️⃣ **Identify Who’s Attending** – Check the attendee list, speaker lineup, and event hashtags. Announce on LinkedIn that you’ll be attending to attract connections ahead of time.  2️⃣ **Reach Out Beforehand** – Don’t wait until the event! Message people you'd like to meet, whether speakers, recruiters, or peers, to set up quick chats.  3️⃣ **Engage in Real Conversations** – Instead of just exchanging business cards, focus on learning about people. Ask about their work, interests, and challenges—real relationships matter.  4️⃣ **Schedule Meetings** – Many conferences have scheduling apps. Book time with key people before the event ends, so you don’t miss out.  5️⃣ **Follow Up Afterward** – The real networking happens post-conference. Connect on LinkedIn, send a thank-you message, and keep the conversation going.  💡 Pro tip: Share conference insights on LinkedIn while you’re there! Tag people you meet and engage in discussions to maximize visibility.  Networking isn’t about collecting contacts—it’s about creating opportunities. Who else is leveling up their conference networking this year? Let’s connect! 🔗💬  #Networking #TechConferences #Cybersecurity

I was paid to go to 100 events a year at a past job - I learned how to be ruthlessly effective at networking in-person 12 uncommon tips you can use for more efficient networking at a conference: 1) don’t eat heavy! It will slow you down 2) Don’t be afraid to leave a conversation, even if it feels a tad abrupt, protect your time and stay focused. We're all attendees, we understand. 3) Drink lots of water and bring gum or mints. 4) Ask “what brings you here?” as an alternative to the overplayed question “what do you do” 5) Happy hours involved? Bring an after alcohol aid like Cheers - you need to be at your freshest every morning of the event 6) Everyone says they're bad at remembering names, but a small trick is to repeat someone’s full name when you meet them so you’re more likely to remember it later and people like hearing their name. 7) Use the LinkedIn app on your phone to quickly scan and immediately connect with someone to follow up later 8) take lots of pictures with people, it creates a memory and a positive surface to reconnect later online after the event (I need to get better at this) 9) don’t be silent - if you’re not naturally talkative or “loud” this one is for you: you need to force yourself to speak, even if that means raising your voice in a crowded room, or walking across the room to introduce yourself, it's the only way people will get to know you, a big reason why you're at the event. Break the ice, 95% of people will be thankful you did. 10) know your micro elevator pitch - what’s the 1 sentence version of what you do that is interesting and will “stick” with someone? It takes practice and experimentation to fine tune, especially if you work at a “boring” company but hey, mix it up and you’ll find it. DM me if you want to hear my example for me new company. 11) have fun! Don’t get too self-conscious or take anything too seriously, no one really cares about a pimple or a stain. People remember your energy, not your appearance. 12) controversial one - don’t bring a friend. They might help you avoid some awkwardness but you’ll end up spending 50% of your time talking to them, instead of meeting and talking with new people Agree/disagree with any? What would you add? #inbound24

As we go into SXSW weekend, I thought I would share some in-person networking tips from my LinkedIn Strategies for Founders guide. In my corporate days, a conference meant shaking hands and collecting the most business cards I could. (Do people even have business cards anymore?) I know realize it's about making real connections, ones that actually move the needle. Here's how to do it right: 1️⃣ Be memorable, not generic. Have a super short intro and tell them something about you that will stick. (Mine: "I am an angel investor, board director, and startup advisor. I also have the best pet in the world, Amber the Chicken Dog." People remember me because I have the best dog ever - and that she is a Chicken Dog.) 2️⃣ Ask better questions. Instead of "What do you do?" try: "What's the most exciting thing you're working on?"  "What are you hoping to get out of this event?"  "Who is the person you want to meet here?" 3️⃣ Listen more than you talk. People love to talk about themselves. Let them. You'll come across as a good listener and a thoughtful person. 4️⃣ Give before you take. Offer a connection, an insight, or a resource before you ask for anything. (But always have your own ask ready to go!) 5️⃣ Follow up. A quick DM or email within 24 hours makes you stand out. Don't forget to remind them exactly where you met and what you talked about. (It will help you remember as well!) Here are my biggest hacks: ✅ Have your phone screen saver be your LinkedIn QR code. ✅ Ask them to connect with you (don't have them follow). ✅ You've then got the list of all the people who connected with you to follow up with them. Send them a message after you accept the connection (see above). ✅ Take notes when you're talking; they'll be honored you find the discussion so worthy. Networking isn't about selling yourself. It's about building relationships. And relationships open doors that a cold email never will. ----- I'm Katie Dunn, an Angel Investor, Board Director, and Startup Advisor. I prepare founders for fundraising, and they gain confidence, resources, and connections. Check out my LinkedIn Strategies for Founders guide (link in Featured Section).

7 Icebreakers That Actually Work At Networking Events: 1. “What’s Something Exciting You’re Working On?” This is so much better than "So, what do you do?" This shows genuine curiosity and invites people to talk about what matters to them. You’ll often uncover hidden projects, side hustles, or cool trends in their industry. 2. “What Inspired You To Attend This Event?” This question gets past the surface quickly and helps you understand their goals. And that gives you a window to offer meaningful value. This shows genuine curiosity and invites people to talk about what matters to them. You’ll often uncover hidden projects, side hustles, or cool trends in their industry. 3. “How Did You Get Into Your Field?” People love telling their origin story. It gives them a chance to reflect and helps you learn something valuable. Bonus: It opens the door to career path tips or industry insights. Use it to start meaningful convos instead of awkward intros. 4. “What’s A Challenge You’re Facing Right Now?” This one is powerful if asked appropriately. Frame it lightly, “anything you’re trying to figure out these days?” If you can help them solve it or connect them to someone who can? They’ll owe you one big time. 5. “What’s Something People Misunderstand About Your Role?” This sparks a surprisingly fun convo, especially with folks in niche or technical roles. It lets them vent (in a good way) and gives you interesting insights. Plus, it shows you care enough to go deeper than surface-level stuff. 6. “Who Should I Meet Before I Leave?” This is a networking power move. It creates a flywheel where every conversation turns into two. And it helps narrow the focus of your networking to the people who matter most. Bonus: Ask them if they’d be willing to make an introduction! 7. Comment On The Moment If all else fails, comment on what’s around you or a potential shared experience from the event. “Did you try the [insert snack or drink]? Surprisingly good for one of these events.” “Not sure how I feel about these name tags, kind of feel like I'm at prom.” Humor = connection. —— ➕ Follow Austin Belcak for more 🔵 Ready to land your dream job? Click here to learn more about how we help people land amazing jobs in ~3.5 months with a $44k raise: https://lnkd.in/gdysHr-r

Just back from CES Las Vegas! I had the privilege of leading several innovative companies to unlock real, tangible value at one of the world’s largest tech events. While CES can feel overwhelming with its scale and the infamous “FOMO” energy, there’s one truth I’ve learned: less is more. Here are some key lessons from CES for those looking to maximize their impact and build meaningful relationships: 1️⃣ Quality over quantity: Instead of chasing every meeting or shaking countless hands, focus on curated, private interactions. Whether it’s a quick demo in a quiet room, a planned sit-down in your hotel lobby, or a reserved space at the venue—give serious companies the space to talk real business. 2️⃣ Leverage your CRM immediately: Don’t just collect business cards or scribble notes in a notebook. After each meeting, input contacts into your CRM with detailed follow-ups in mind. That follow-up is where relationships are made or broken. 3️⃣ Be intentional from the start: Building a relationship smartly means understanding your counterpart’s needs, goals, and challenges. You don’t need to connect with everyone at CES—just the right ones. The result? Meaningful connections, productive conversations, and actual business outcomes. What are your best tips for making the most of mega-events like CES? Let’s exchange ideas! #CES2025 #BizDev #BuildingRelationships