Best Ways to Utilize Conference Networking for Business Development

In a world where every executive has a firm handshake and a stack of business cards, how do you become the person everyone remembers after a conference? After attending dozens in the past decade, I've developed a strategy that transforms conferences from transactional meetups into relationship goldmines. ♟️Pre-Conference LinkedIn Strategy The real networking begins weeks before the event. Review the speaker and attendee lists, then connect with key individuals on LinkedIn with a personalized message: "I noticed we’re both attending the Stand & Deliver event. I'd love to connect. See you soon." This pre-conference connection creates a warm introduction and significantly increases your chances of meaningful engagement. 👗👔The Memorable Wardrobe Element In my early career, I blended in at conferences. Now? I'm known for wearing a little more color (often D&S Executive Career Management teal) or patterns that are professional yet distinctive. When someone says, "Oh, you're the one with the great dress," you've already won half the networking battle. 🤝Contribute Before You Collect** Instead of collecting business cards, focus on providing immediate value in conversations. Can you connect someone to a resource? Share relevant research? Offer a solution to a challenge they mentioned? The executives who stand out aren't those who take the most cards—they're the ones who solve problems on the spot. What networking approach has worked for you at recent conferences? Share in the comments below! #ExecutiveLeadership #NetworkingStrategy #ConferenceSuccess #ProfessionalDevelopment

In a world where your online profile could be your first handshake, the age-old art of in-person networking can feel like a lost relic. Yet, there’s an undeniable magic in the live, human connection that no digital interface can replicate. So, when you're stepping into the arena of face-to-face networking, how do you harness that magic effectively? Let’s break down the strategic play into clear, actionable tactics for making a lasting impact. Invent a Signature Ice-Breaker: Create an engaging question or share an interesting anecdote that’s personal and reflective of your interests. Rehearse it enough so that it feels natural, allowing you to deliver it with confidence and ease. Enter with Purpose: Clarify your intentions before the event. Are you there to find new clients, potential partners, or maybe to scout for new talent? With every handshake and introduction, have a clear objective in mind to drive the conversation. Ask with Precision: Arm yourself with well-thought-out questions that are relevant to current industry trends and individual expertise. Aim to get deeper insights by asking for examples and experiences, not just surface-level information. Listen Actively: Show genuine interest in responses, maintaining eye contact and responsive body language. Build on their replies with thoughtful, engaging follow-up questions. Exchange Value: Go into every conversation with the mindset of what you can offer them—an idea, a connection, or even just an interesting conversation. True networking is reciprocal; aim to provide value in every exchange. Connect and Follow Up: Whether you prefer a classic business card or a digital link, have your contact information readily accessible. Cement new connections with a personalized follow-up message within a day of the meeting. With these tactics in your arsenal, you’re ready to turn every networking opportunity into a strategic stepping stone for your professional journey. Remember, it’s the quality of the connections, not just the quantity, that builds a robust network.

Here’s how we built more pipeline from Saastr and Dreamforce with a GA ticket (or sometimes even no ticket) vs. some companies that paid $50k+ for booths. Rule #1: The rule of thirds I used to approach conferences with the sole goal of building pipeline. I was stressed and in the wrong mindset, which led to transactional conversations. People want to have authentic conversations without a premeditated agenda. I now believe conversations should roughly split into the following buckets: 1) Business problems and whether Bluebirds might be helpful. This is what leads to pipeline in the near-term. 2) Talking about where the market is going (e.g. AI and sales). This is usually with C-Suite (it’s often why they’re attending the conference) and on-the-ground employees like AEs or BDRs. 3) Swapping notes on company building. This is primarily with other founders, and it’s a fantastic way to meet and learn from experienced builders. The important thing is to let go of every conversation being about pipeline. I usually don’t bring up Bluebirds unless asked. Don’t be that person who hyper-analyzes name-tags to corner decision makers. Focus on learning and great conversations, and pipeline will follow. Rule #2: 80% of the game is in the side events This one is counter-intuitive — the actual event is usually the least interesting part of a conference. Most reputable conferences have a cottage-industry of happy hours, brunches, dinners, etc. hosted by companies in the space. They’re free to attend and you just need to track down lists of these events (they always exist) and sign up. Side events have more focused groups of people (e.g. a brunch for CMOs), so it’s easier to meet people and have high quality conversations. Rule #3: It’s all in the follow up Last year, I struggled to stay organized with conversations and track follow up. When you’re meeting 20 people a day, it’s tough to remember what was discussed with each person. Now, after a great conversation I always ask to connect on LinkedIn. Have them connect with you (not the other way around) so you can accept their connection request one day later and immediately follow up via LinkedIn DMs. If I felt like they’re leaning into Bluebirds and we can be helpful, I’ll ask to pull up calendars and schedule time for a follow up right there, or exchange phone numbers. If your follow up takes more than 24 hours after meeting, or you’re unable to get ahold of someone, your process is broken and you should re-think your approach to staying in touch. These 3 changes made a huge impact to my experience at conferences, how much fun I have, and building pipeline. Anyone else at Saastr / Dreamforce have advice or tips they’ve learned? Sriharsha Guduguntla Atul Raghunathan Oliver Johnson Albert Wang Zaid Khan Max Clang Avishek Roy

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