Effective Ways to Network at Writing Conferences

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

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

One of my favorite pieces of advice to give to early career professionals about how to maximize networking opportunities at a conference: Stand up and ask a question during a session early on in the program. You get to introduce yourself to the entire audience in one fell swoop by stating your name and company before asking your question. And ideally you ask a thoughtful and memorable question on the topic you most want to talk to people about. Now you’ve teed yourself up for the most fruitful conversations possible throughout the rest of the event. You might have to remind people “I’m so-and-so, the person who asked the question about XYZ during the session on ABC” but then you can continue on to ask what they think about the topic. It’s a great conversation starter aligned with your business objectives for the conference.