How do you showcase your expertise at networking events?

Networking events can be extremely valuable, but it's key that you have a clear intention. When I left the banking industry, I spent some time avoiding these types of events as a big part of myself was a bit tired of them, and the other part was a little bit unsure of what I would gain (i.e. what should be my intention?!). But after a while, I started to crave work colleagues - being an entrepreneur can be a lonely journey, so I re-started with the clear intention: make a meaningful connection in each event. And guess what?! I always did! I always meet (at least!) one person I can have a genuine and meaningful connection with. So, before you decide on the event, ask yourself: what is is that I am really looking for?

At networking events, showcase expertise by actively engaging in conversations, offering valuable insights, and sharing relevant experiences or successes. Demonstrate genuine interest in others' work, asking insightful questions, and offering solutions or advice. Exchange contact information and follow up with personalized messages to continue building relationships.

Be bold and get yourself out there! Remember to engage sincerely, meaning that you have two ears and one mouth…. Listen before you talk, identify pain points, and create your elevator pitch which should be customizable based on your audience.

At networking events, showcase expertise by actively engaging in conversations, offering insights, and sharing relevant experiences and successes. Demonstrate enthusiasm and genuine interest in others' work, asking insightful questions and offering valuable advice or solutions. Exchange contact information and follow up with personalized messages to maintain connections and nurture relationships.

I generally don't like to go to networking events. But if I had to attend then I would like to tell about my expertise, because people are interested in your skills and not you as person. Attendees seek skills and knowledge that can benefit their career progression. Focus on areas where your expertise aligns with their interests. When attending these events, listen actively to understand what others need or are curious about. This helps you identify opportunities where your skills can provide value. Sharing relevant insights at the right moment makes your contributions impactful. Patience is key. If you don't have something to offer immediately, it's better to listen and wait for the right time to speak.

Clarify Objectives: Determine what you aim to achieve from the event, whether it's making new connections, sharing knowledge, or seeking opportunities. Identify Target Audience: Understand the type of professionals you want to connect with and tailor your interactions and conversations accordingly. Prepare Elevator Pitch: Craft a concise and compelling elevator pitch that highlights your expertise, background, and what you can offer to others. Ask Questions: Show genuine interest in others by asking thoughtful questions and actively listening to their responses, fostering meaningful conversations and connections.

At networking events, you can showcase your expertise by sharing your experiences and skills in a clear and confident way. Start by introducing yourself and mentioning your current role and key achievements. Listen to others and find common interests or challenges. Share helpful insights or advice based on your knowledge. Have a few examples of your work ready to discuss, and bring business cards with your contact information. Being friendly, approachable, and prepared will help you make a strong impression.

Já dizia Sêneca se não sabe para qual porto vai, qualquer vento serve. Desta forma, é importante ter clareza sempre do que se busca e com isso você consegue ser mais assertivo e consegue ter melhores resultados. Se tem clareza de qual é seu próximo objetivo vai conseguir definir qual conhecimentos, eventos e habilidades que vai precisar para ir adiante.

Look up the list of attendees and research their backgrounds, publications, social presence, websites, events they've contributed to, etc. After researching, create a list of: * Authentic connection points: Find topics to connect on to support with naturally starting a conversation. * Targeted questions: Prepare specific questions to gain insights and knowledge from each contact related to your goals. * Something to give/offer in return: Consider what you can give back to show gratitude for their time, energy, and insights.
 Make sure to get their contact information so you can follow up with a genuine/personalized note, referencing your conversation and sharing gratitude for what you gained. You can also schedule a coffee chat to follow.

A good tip is to add the speakers if you're attending a conference. After the event, you can message them with 3 learning points from their talk. Then engage in a conversation! Just a few people do this, and speakers love feedback. This is a way to exchange thoughts and expand your qualified network.

Here are some useful tips when you don't have prior access to the list of attendees / when the attendees join on the spot: 1. Begin by observing and listening to others to understand who is interested in what. Networking is not just about saying hello to many people. 2. Identify a small number of professionals to follow and interact with. Random conversations are not that fruitful mostly, unless you are done with targeted networking. 3. Try to get a full / partial list of attendees through organizers, spend some time around the registration desk, meet registration team during their non-peek hours for insights, and snowballing - get some referrals from people you meet.

Be authentically and unapologetically you! Strangers and acquaintances need to see you in your natural social state. It is human nature to assess one another on how we would blend in a group; you will attract your tribe by being you.

Antes mesmo de comparecer ao evento, é fundamental entender antecipadamente quem estará presente, suas necessidades e desafios. Isso permite que você adapte seu discurso e estratégia de networking de acordo com o público-alvo. Um aspecto-chave é desenvolver um elevator pitch conciso e envolvente que desperte o interesse das pessoas. Esse discurso deve destacar suas habilidades, experiências relevantes e como você pode agregar valor aos outros. Ao personalizar seu pitch de acordo com as necessidades e interesses do público, você demonstra uma compreensão profunda e um genuíno interesse em ajudar.

E importante sempre entender além do foco em especifico do evento saber quem vai estar palestrando e quais conteúdos vai estar disponível desta forma você consegue antecipadamente se organizar para ir as melhores palestras e absorver os melhores conhecimentos.

I always tell my clients to prepare for networking events by studying the topic and having some pre-thought questions. At least to start with and let the conversation flow naturally. This is good for the introverts and those who love structure and preparation.

12/10 be the most curious person in the room. Ask questions no one else is asking. Build up others and creatively find ways to connect. Don't go in trying to alway get something out of it.

Em eventos de networking, mostre sua experiência sendo interessante e engajado. Fale sobre temas variados que possam interessar os outros, como tendências do setor, novidades tecnológicas ou insights de mercado. Faça perguntas e ouça atentamente, criando um diálogo enriquecedor. Evite falar apenas de você; em vez disso, compartilhe histórias relevantes e exemplos práticos que demonstrem sua expertise de forma natural e envolvente. Isso tornará suas interações mais memoráveis e valiosas.

Be curious! Such wonderful advice for so many situations. For life in fact. The listening actively part of being curious is the most difficult part of this for most of us. And don't forget the intercultural aspects of listening. (I learnt a lot about this in a Cambridge Advance Online 8 week course on Intercultural Communication for Global Business which I would highly recommend.)

Não basta apenas ser inteligente, e necessário parecer também. E importante passar uma boa imagem para as demais pessoas e isso passa não só pela postura mas também em como aborda e faz todos os contatos, a primeira impressão pode ser decisiva para que as pessoas valorizem sua atenção com elas.

Trading stories is also a great way to help with memory recall. If you aren't the greatest at remembering names but always recognize a face, associating that person with their stories helps. "Oh yes, Trevor likes Tennis". Without dominating the conversation it's also an opportunity for you to plant that acorn of curiosity in the other participants mind that you have a lot more to offer but the networking event isn't the ideal time so they may want to have a follow up coffee to learn more. Be personable, be open to anyone, and moving from physical business cards to digital has allowed more information to be shared with a quick QR code...A picture, LinkedIn profile link and a cell phone gives everyone you meet access to follow ups easily.

A couple of decades ago when I started work in the City of London, the advice used to be "research the latest rugby and cricket games; research the markets; and be ready to remember what you researched". What NONSENSE. This advice to share your insights and stories is so much more helpful. Be your authentic self - your uniqueness is what will make you memorable. I remember the person who told me they played jazz piano in a bar to earn money while a student, and the hobby bee-keeper. When I was asked at a fancy event last year what my first job was I told the truth and said a waitress and dancer in a pretty rough club. That experience taught me a lot more I am sure than the usual 'selling strawberries at Wimbledon'!

Clear, direct communication of your story is paramount in any networking conversation. Sharing your background and goals is very important for establishing rapport and fostering meaningful relationships. To enhance their presence, I advise my clients to come prepared with a selection of personal and professional anecdotes, as well as references such as podcasts or books, to fuel conversation seamlessly. Active listening to those around you not only allows you to engage in conversations other people are interested in but also demonstrates attentiveness and cultivates a sense of connection, as everyone values being heard.

I give talks or posters. I hang around, if possible, to talk to people about their issues. I try to be visible on LinkedIn and occasionally Facebook so that I am someone who is known.

Networking é uma troca de experiência, é importante começar com amenidades para criar rapport com as pessoas, falar da sua vida e seu momento é importante, isso traz empatia e faz com que verdadeiramente saiam conversas de valor para ambos.

Don't forget that you don't need business cards - use the LinkedIn QR code to take people's details for follow-up afterwards. My top tip is always always to offer something as well as to ask for something.

You may not end up sharing your expertise at a networking event, which is why you'll want to follow up and stay in touch. Networking events aren't interviews; they're an opportunity to make connections and begin building relationships where you will eventually get to showcase your expertise. A networking event is a start—not the total engagement—so be cautious of trying too hard to force your experience into the conversation. It could be off-putting or seem egotistical, and neither of those things is a great kick-off to a relationship. If the conversation naturally flows to your expertise, cool; otherwise, focus on building enough rapport to take the conversation beyond that event. That's where the real magic happens!

Having an elevator pitch on who you are is great but effective networking should be about building relationships and being overly transactional about your expertise can be a real turn-off to people. Be yourself and your passion for your area of interest will naturally shine through!

Be the MVP! Be Memorable - Be Valuable - Be Professional.

E importante sempre que possível manter contato e criar um relacionamento com as pessoas que trouxeram valor para você, as melhores oportunidades as vezes ocorrem depois de um tempo do primeiro encontro, falar de você pode gerar um futuro contato mas para isso é importante manter um contato para criar laços e ser tudo muito natural quando oportunidades e trocas de informações forem necessárias.

At networking events, blend past successes, future goals, and unique talents to showcase your expertise. Start with key achievements, then share your excitement for upcoming ambitions, demonstrating a forward-thinking attitude. Highlight special skills, like simplifying complex ideas, linking them to future plans. This approach not only illustrates your achievements but also your potential for collaboration. Create a brief narrative connecting your past, future, and abilities, sparking conversations and connections. This strategy provides a comprehensive view of your professional persona, making your interactions impactful and memorable.

Sharing your 'why' helps connect like-minded people while networking. Whenever asked about your career journey, sharing insights from your career journey and why you do what you do, will bring resonance in your conversations.

Criar relacionamentos com outras pessoas para trazer um valioso networking devem ser naturais, são construídos com o tempo e deve trazer valor para ambas as partes, não se sinta diminuído caso a pessoa que está conhecendo tenha mais conhecimento em algum ponto especifico, você também tem habilidades que podem acrescentar coisas importantes com essa nova pessoa.