Transcript
How to work the room
Andrea Cox@greenreveller andrea.sv.cox@gmail.com
What kind of networker are you?
a. I would rather stick pins in my eyes than “network”
b. Reluctant
c. Happy enough
d. I JUST CAN’T HELP MYSELF!!!
Examples/anecdotes are great!
What impact (if any) does this have? on you? your work?
Tips
BEFORE the event
● Define your objectives
● Mine the resources
○ Speakers list and programme
○ Can you get hold of the delegate list?
BEFORE the event
● Stalking… (aka doing your research on LinkedIn)
● Get in touch with key contacts before the event
DURING the event
● Consider turning up early
● Wear something memorable
● Be proud of your name badge
● Always carry business cards
● Know where to meet people
○ Group suggestions?
Exercise
● Scenarios○ daytime smart cities event
with loads of suits○ evening meetup with 3D
printing hackers○ international conference with
politicians and NGOs
● Settings○ queuing for coffee/lunch/the
bar○ with the speaker
immediately after a talk○ joining an existing group
In pairs, take turns at picking a scenario and a setting
> Start a conversation and maintain it for 2 mins
DURING the event
● Tweet lots using the event hashtag
● Make notes on business cards of who’s who
● Ask questions in the Q&A, and introduce yourself
● Speak your name clearly and expand acronyms
● Listen more than you talk
● Seize the serendipitous opportunities
DURING the event
● Don’t just hang out with your mates
● Don’t get stuck for too long○ exit strategies?
● Don’t scan the room for a better opportunity
AFTER the event
● Remember those notes you made? They will really help the next day
● Follow up key contacts with an email promptly
● Add others on LinkedIn and Twitter
Useful resources
Top 10 sites for finding networking events
Networking tips for the nervous (The Guardian)
Top ten event networking tips (NCVO)
Clinic: Dr Cox answers your
questions @greenreveller
andrea.sv.cox@gmail.com
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