Tips for Engaging in Networking Threads

Your "I'm attending XYZ conference, can't wait to see you there!" post is boring and nobody cares... Except for maybe your colleagues. But they aren't your target audience, are they? Here's how you can make those pre-conference posts much more likely to help you start conversations at the event. 1. Review the agenda/speaker tracks. 2. Identify the topic that's getting to most traction and generating the most chatter. 3. Create a post with your and/or your #consultingfirm 's POV on the topic. 4. Tag the speaker that's hosting the session - they likely have a relevant audience you can tap into - and say you are looking forward to their talk 5. End the post with "if anyone wants to chat about [topic] at the [conference hashtag] I'd love to connect" 6. Pay attention to who engages with the post, connect with and reach out to relevant (in ICP) people. 7. OPTIONAL: if you have a piece of content, that's relevant to the topic, send it along to those who engage. Every piece of content you put out (LinkedIn posts included) should be able to bring some value to your audience, and simply saying that you'll be attending an event doesn't do that. #professionalservices #technicalconsulting #conferences

I’m not a fan of “networking hacks” — but here’s one I do share with college kids all the time. Let’s say you’re interested in a career in Finance… So you go to a conference for finance folks… And at that conference you meet a CFO of a cool company you’d like to work for How do you get the job? Do you ask them if they’re hiring? Do you tell them about all the research you’ve done into their company? Do you show how qualified you are to work there? You can! But generally you will get referred to a hiring manager. Instead, here’s a suggestion: be a human! joke around a bit! and at some point ask them: “Are there articles/blogs you read regularly to stay on top of trends in your industry?” I like this strategy a lot more because… A. There are probably industry-specific publications / data sources that will actually make you smarter and more impressive B. You’re going to have an amazing reason to go back to this person and nurture that relationship. And that’s what most people get wrong about networking. Most people usually follow up with something transactional. Like a request for an interview or a meeting. Instead, study what that person is already reading and reapproach them about that. Example: “Hey ____, I’ve been reading [this publication you recommended] but I can’t understand why the author said…” You’re more likely to get responses and build a relationship this way. A quote that’s always stuck with me is: “never treat your relationships like transactions, and never treat your transactions like relationships.”

Are your networking convos going nowhere?  Then, you are likely not asking the right questions at the end of the chat. So let me fix this for ya. Here are my favorite end-of-chit-chat questions to make sure you keep the new connections moving forward. ⭐ Expanding Your Network: "Based on our conversation, who else would you recommend I speak with to gain further insights into this field?" ⭐ Gaining Deeper Industry Insight: "Are there any groups, associations, or forums you think I should join to connect with other professionals in this field?" ⭐ Understanding Company Culture: "Who in your organization has been pivotal to your understanding of the company culture, and might they be open to a discussion?" ⭐ Exploring Opportunities: "In your opinion, which companies or teams are doing exciting work in this space that I should explore further?" ⭐ Finding Mentors and Advisors: "I'm interested in finding a mentor in the field. Is there someone whose career path you admire and who might be open to a mentorship conversation?" ⭐ Learning About Roles and Functions: "Which colleagues of yours have taken interesting paths or roles that you think I could learn from?" ⭐ Asking for Introductions: "Would you be comfortable introducing me to anyone in your network who you think could provide additional perspective on my job search?" ⭐ Keeping the Conversation Going: "What events or meetups would you suggest I attend to meet like-minded professionals in this industry?" ⭐ Following Industry Developments: "Are there any upcoming industry events or webinars that you think would be beneficial for someone in my position to attend?" ⭐ Staying in Touch: "How can I best keep in touch with you as I continue exploring this field and potentially seek your advice again in the future?" So...will you use these banging questions in your next networking chat? Then drop a "YEAH" Lil Jon style in the comments below. #networking #networkingtips