How to Be Memorable During Conference Networking

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

Back in the day, the smartest, savviest entrepreneurs told jokes and stats. Today, they’re telling stories. Why? Because stories stick. ‣ They're easy to remember. ‣ They make an emotional connection. ‣ They inspire. Think about it: ‣ Nike doesn't sell shoes. It sells heroes. ‣ Apple doesn't sell tech. It sells creativity. ‣ Tesla doesn't sell cars. It sells innovation. All through the power of storytelling. And listen, you don't need to have a heroic adventure to tell a good story. ✅ Tell your why. ✅ Tell your struggles to make it your business. ✅ Tell your successes that came after from many defeats. I saw the impact of this in real time during a recent networking event. I was on a panel and gave a brief introduction of myself. The attendees were somewhat interested, but I wouldn’t say they truly cared. They had no reason to root for me. Then, I was asked about my role as a keynote speaker. I told them about my most popular keynote, The Resilience Roadmap. I shared how it was based on various challenges I’ve experienced over the past 10 years which include battling alcohol addiction, unemployment and losing my son. That’s when the attendees really took notice, and that's when they began rooting for me. I wasn’t just the guy who did a bunch of stuff, I was the guy who highlighted the transformative power of resilience. It’s been three days since that event and people are still messaging me about it. And, oddly enough, they’re also asking me to remind them what I do again. So don’t make the same mistake I did, whether it be in person or online. Don’t just share what you do, share the journey you’ve been on as well. People will remember your story, it forms a connection. And people give you opportunities when they feel connected to you. So, are you ready to share your story?

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).

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?