How to Approach Networking with a Purpose at Conferences

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

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).

4 ways you can feel less awkward (and more productive) during upcoming conference season: 1. What I have found to help me get over the very natural fear of that awkwardness of getting into a large room of adult strangers is to have a few "anchor meetings" 📅 in advance. Been trying to make sure I have at least 3 lunches, dinners, or coffees scheduled when there so I know that no matter what, I have a few moments of calm and productivity to look forward to. If you cant pre-schedule at least 3 meetings, you probably should not go. 2. Have a purpose beyond who you meet. I think a great goal is to be able to write no less than 3 articles/blog-posts out of the conference. Others might use it to do research on a new product/service line. Have a better goal. If your only goal is "meeting people," not only does that create stress on you and will make you feel less than for sure, its a highly variable goal. 3. Have something you want to learn beyond the specific content on the stage. Maybe you want to learn about hiring for a data-scientist. That is a great opening line. Look to ask others about how they are hiring? Great ice-breaker and also you are learning. 4. Niche down. If you go to Unboxed (for example), then maybe go trying to meet others who are in the beauty category. If you go to Brandweek, maybe you are looking to find others who have mastered making influencer marketing drive actual restaurant reservations. Every conference at the highest level feels off. They all feel "too vague" or "too big" or "not granular enough." That is a given. But, if you niche down by finding people in your tribe within that mess, it can be very productive. Oh, and here is a bonus: JUST SAY NO 🛑 and DONT GO. I know people who average 30 days a year at conferences, which is basically 45 days a year if you include a 50% "time tax" on travel/fatigue. Some of the circuit just feels like people go out of fear of being left out. Be selective. I pick a handful every year and do so carefully. There is no better revenge for not going to a conference than a) seeing your family b) doing great work at your desk and c) spending that saved time with a co-worker and doing something exceptional together. Enjoy the fall conference season responsibly 😉

Forget the free food and swag. The real conference ROI? Stronger relationships. Here's how you do it: Was advising a founder headed to her first conference as an entrepreneur rather than just for fun / to hang out. These events can be intimidating and expensive so you want to make the most of your time and energy. Here's a recap of what we discussed: ◾ Know your goal. You are there to advance your business through relationships and new insights / information. Manage your energy, get enough sleep, don't eat too much of the free food if its junk. ◾ Chat everyone up. Your job is to build relationships with new friends and potential collaborators / customers. If you see people you know, great but don't spend all your time with them—use them to meet other folks "Can I join your group at lunch?" ◾ Small talk matters. Start w/ simple questions like "Is this your first time at XYZ Con?" "When did you get in / where did you come in from?" "What are you most hoping to get out of this event?" And be prepared to answer all those q's for yourself! ◾ Be choosy about the talks. Pick a few of the events you really think will be worth your time and ask a public question during the Q&A. It can make an impression for the speakers and also the audience (people will remember you and maybe start up a convo with you later) ◾ Be ready to connect. Have a QR code or link ready to your company / socials / mailing list. You'll completely forget to do this later and seconds matter b/c people get distracted / bored. ◾ Follow up with people. Do it right away so you don't forget who they were—email or social media DM. Remind them of how you met and share a memory or insight or piece of media that can help cement your relationship. Try to set up a call or at least be friendly on social in the DMs or in comments. ◾ All you need is a few good ones. It can feel overwhelming but if you can walk away from a conference with even just 2 strong relationships (which might happen slowly over time) for a conference to be a great investment. These days I don't attend as many conferences unless I'm speaking but early in my career these events helped me connect and deepen relationships with a lot of amazing people. What are your favorite tips when it comes to a conference?

I used to come back from conferences with a stack of business cards and zero results. Now I have a system that actually works (and it's simpler than you think): My Pre-Conference Checklist: • I write down 3-5 specific questions I'm struggling with • I find the exact sessions and people who can help • I reach out before everyone's calendar gets crazy What I Actually Do There: I go in with clear intentions. • What do I need to learn? • Who should I meet? • Which tools might solve our problems? I focus conversations on getting specific takeaways I can implement The little things make a difference. • Use sessions for networking, not just sitting • Take notes on who to follow up with and why • Connect with people at the conference, not weeks later I've found that being intentional transforms conferences from expensive trips into valuable investments. ...and sharing what you learn helps the whole team win. ps But if you want to go deeper and missed today's Fraud Friday MRC preview. Grab it here. And you can watch it on the plane to Vegas: https://lnkd.in/ePcJgtvX