Networking for Event Planners: Staying Connected

LinkedIn QR codes are cool, but I prefer Blinq - and here's why it's a game-changer for networking 🔗 At a recent event, someone shared their LinkedIn QR code with me. While LinkedIn's QR feature is handy, I've been using Blinq for years, and it solves a networking problem we've all experienced. The Problem: You scan 10+ QR codes at a conference, connect with everyone on LinkedIn, but three months later someone asks "Do you know anyone at Company X?" You see you're connected to someone there, but have absolutely no idea how you met them or what you talked about. Sound familiar? 🤔 How Blinq Works: ✅ Digital business card that connects to all your social profiles ✅ Tracks when and where you met each person ✅ Lets you add context notes about your conversation ✅ Multiple cards for different contexts (I have personal + work versions) The Real Value: Last week, I was looking through my Blinq connections and realized I met two potential leads at eLive (my company's conference) back in April, but I'd completely forgotten! Instead of a generic "Hey, we're connected" message, I could reach out with "Hey, I met you at eLive in April..." That context transforms a cold outreach into a warm conversation. 💡 Why This Matters for LinkedIn: Imagine if LinkedIn's QR code feature included location tracking and context notes. The networking follow-up game would be completely different. Instead of wondering "How do I know this person?" you'd have the full story of your connection. There are other digital business card tools out there (HiHello, CamCard, Dot, etc.), but Blinq's ability to capture the story behind each connection is what sets it apart for me. For fellow networkers: If you're going to conferences, events, or meetups, consider tools that help you remember not just WHO you met, but WHERE and WHAT you discussed. Your future self will thank you when it's time to follow up! 🚀 What's your go-to tool for staying organized with networking connections? I'll share my work version on Blinq for reference: https://lnkd.in/eSgNbkEA #Networking #DigitalBusinessCards #Blinq #ConferenceNetworking #LeadGeneration #LinkedIn #ProfessionalNetworking #TechTools #TechTips #WomeninTech #BlacksinTech

Most people completely waste their networking efforts the moment they leave an event. I watch professionals collect business cards like trophies, then let those connections die in their LinkedIn requests folder. That's not networking - that's contact hoarding. The real networking magic happens in the 24-48 hours after the event ends. Here's how to actually convert those conversations into valuable relationships: 1. Personalized outreach within 24 hours - Reference specific conversation details, not generic "nice meeting you" messages. Stand out among the dozen other people they met. 2. Strategic LinkedIn connections - Include context about where you met and what you discussed. Transform anonymous invitations into meaningful relationship foundations. 3. Value-added follow-through - Share relevant articles, resources, or introductions that address what they mentioned. Show you were actually listening and can provide value. 4. Propose concrete next steps - Coffee meetings, collaboration opportunities, strategic introductions. Strike while the event momentum is hot. 5. Document everything - Record their professional goals, current challenges, and collaboration opportunities. This enables strategic relationship development over time. Here's what most people get wrong: they treat networking like contact collection instead of relationship building. The goal isn't a bigger contact list - it's developing professionals who proactively support each other's success. Stop collecting business cards and start building actual relationships. Your future self will thank you. What post-networking strategies have you found most effective for converting event meetings into valuable professional relationships? Sign up to my newsletter for more corporate insights and truths here: https://vist.ly/3yrck #deepalivyas #eliterecruiter #recruiter #recruitment #jobsearch #corporate #networking #relationshipbuilding #professionalnetworking #careerstrategist

Crazy underrated networking "hack" that helps other people, makes you feel great, and lets you build connections without the ick. Especially if you hate networking. Be a connector. I recently turned down an opportunity that wasn't right for me. But I mentioned a friend who'd be perfect for it. She got the job! Making that intro felt better than any networking event I've ever attended. Most of us think networking = asking for favors. But the best "networkers" I know are constantly giving. They're the ones who: • Mention your name for a new opportunity • Introduce you to someone in their industry • Refer you to open roles at their company • Share resources without being asked This is like career karma. Once you start connecting others, the same energy comes back to you. It's tough out there, so we have to help each other. How to start being a connector: 1️⃣ Start small You don't need a newsletter or community to be a connector. Share an industry event. Tag someone in a relevant post. Forward that job listing. Small connections compound. You don't have to be an "influencer" to be influential. 2️⃣ Let others connect you Don't be afraid to ask for intros yourself. And pay it forward. 3️⃣ Hang with other connectors Whether online or IRL, being around people who do this makes it feel natural. 4️⃣ Tell people you're open to helping End conversations with: "Is there anyone I can introduce you to?" or "What are you looking for right now - opportunities, partners, clients?" 5️⃣ Stay organized Use Dex, Notion, or a spreadsheet (if you must) to track your network. I actually just used Lovable to build a simple tool myself. Or use your brain if you're better than the rest of us. Real example from this month: • Person A: Hiring for a Chief of Staff with experience in a specific industry • Person B: Looking for a generalist role with experience in that industry • One intro email and a few weeks later: Person A got the job! That took me 5 minutes. Cost me nothing. Made both of them happy. Who's the best connector you know and what do they do better than everyone else?

You don’t need to attend awkward networking events to build connections. Here are 10 ways to network online (from your couch) to land your dream job, mentorship or just to stay in touch: 1. Start with warm calls, not cold DMs Reaching out to strangers is intimidating. So, begin with people you already admire or respect: past colleagues, old classmates, mentors, or anyone you’ve gotten value from. Reach out, share your goals, ask for advice, or simply reconnect. — 2. Build (or join) a 3-6 person mastermind Invite people you admire to check in monthly or quarterly. Ask 3 simple questions in each meeting: • What’s your biggest win? • What’s your biggest challenge? • How can we help each other? This becomes your personal board of advisors, and their networks become yours, too. — 3. Make intros within your own network Instead of always trying to add new people, try connecting two people you already know. It builds goodwill, and often sparks reciprocity. Some of my best opportunities came from introductions I made first. — 4. Be the tortoise, not the hare Strong networks aren’t built in a week. They come from consistency, trust, and staying top of mind. Check in. Celebrate small wins. Be helpful, even without asking for anything.  — 5. Send snail mail Want to stand out in a sea of LinkedIn messages? Send a handwritten card or even a fun comic with a note. The person will always remember your “extra” effort. — 6. Elevate the interaction • Only chatted with someone online? Try a call. • Had a few calls? Try a Zoom meeting. • Know them over Zoom? Meet up in person. Each upgrade strengthens the connection. — 7. Pick one platform to dominate Instead of being everywhere, go deep somewhere. For example, if it’s LinkedIn: • Endorse people • Write thoughtful comments • Share niche insights your network actually values   This depth pays off more than shallow visibility. — 8. Curate, don’t just connect Curate the best insights, tools, or articles in your niche, and share them regularly. You’ll become a trusted source people keep coming back or referring to. — 9. Do something fun together Shared activities build bonds. This could be as simple as playing a game, joining a sweepstakes, or co-hosting a webinar.  People remember who made them feel something. — 10. Swipe right (yes, really) Apps like Shapr or Invitly are designed for warm outreach — you match with people who want to meet others. It’s cold networking without the awkwardness. Networking isn’t about pitching. It’s about planting seeds. Start with one person. Reach out. Reconnect.  Then keep showing up, helping others, and making connections that count.

"𝐋𝐞𝐭'𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭!" - 𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐃𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐈𝐭 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤? We hear it all the time: "Let's connect!" But how many of those connections do we truly maintain over time? 💡 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐬𝐧'𝐭 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐞𝐱𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐝𝐈𝐧 𝐢𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐬. 5 months later, when you reach out for a favor, will they even remember you? True networking is more than a one-time interaction. It's about building lasting relationships and consistently bringing value to each other’s lives. Here are 5 strategies to help you stay connected and maintain meaningful relationships: 👇 1️⃣ 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐥𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤-𝐢𝐧𝐬: Schedule a quick call, grab a coffee, or even send a simple message. Regular touchpoints keep you from becoming "that one person" they met once at a conference. 2️⃣ 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭: Remember what interests them. When you come across news or resources they’ll enjoy, send it their way. It's an easy way to stay top-of-mind. 3️⃣ 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭: Support their posts with comments and likes. Show you care about their work—it’s a small act with big impact. 4️⃣ 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐬: Send a quick congrats when they reach a milestone. Acknowledging their achievements keeps the relationship personal and engaging. 5️⃣ 𝐁𝐞 𝐚 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫: Introduce them to someone in your network who could help them. Be the person that adds value through others, not just your own input. 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐭𝐰𝐨-𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐭.🚦 It’s not about what someone can do for you, but how you can grow together over time. Share your networking tips in the comments down below 👇 #NetworkingTips #RelationshipBuilding #LinkedInTips #BusinessGrowth #ValueDriven #NetworkingStrategy #KeepInTouch #SoftwareEngineering