The autumn events calendar is filling up with lots of great events, and it’s important to take advantage of them, either to build and maintain your own network or simply to expand your reach.

The most important thing is to be prepared and have a plan, as all three factors play an important role in networking.

This means having enough up-to-date business cards, as well as your own company presentation, prepared as a short and snappy elevator pitch that you can deliver at any time. Spontaneous networking can also be very fruitful at times, of course. However, before you rushing off to attend every event, you should think strategically about what really makes sense for you and your business.

I have summarised the best way to do this in 5 tips for you below. So let’s take a closer look:

Target group analysis

Think about who your target group is and where you might find them. Do you have an offer that you want to promote? Work out exactly who these people are, where they are, and how you can best reach them so that you can address them specifically.

Online versus analogue

Covid-19 has shown us that networking can be done both online and offline. This momentum remains and it’s the combination of the two that makes the difference. Finding the right good balance between social media platforms such as LinkedIn / Xing / Instagram, online meetings and face-to-face events is a good way to build a strong network.

See and be seen

Some events are essential for your network. The question is not whether you want to be there, but that you participate to demonstrate your commitment to the community. It is also important, of course, that an event is interesting in terms of content, and not just a chance to be seen. To this end, it is important to use social media to spread the message as widely as possible and to arrange dates for networking. This allows you to promote not only yourself, your company and the event, and thus engaging in self-promotion as a „mini-influencer“ with no extra effort. This also serves as a good conversation starter:

„We saw each other at the XY event, but unfortunately we didn’t get a chance to talk through everything on the agenda. Maybe we can catch up over a coffee next week?“

Target specific contacts

Less is often more. Think about which contacts will benefit you most initially. Approach them in a targeted and prepared manner. Decide on the topics you want to discuss or suggest as to what should be discussed in detail. This always makes a good impression.

For example: „I saw on social media that you are involved in topic XY. I am currently working on an XY project so we could discuss this further? We can support each other!“

Follow up

Follow up on every networking meeting. Either connect online via various platforms or arrange a follow-up meeting to continue the discussion. A good networker understands that it often takes more than just one conversation to stay connected.

It sounds easier than it is, right? One thing is certain: if you take networking seriously, it will be time-consuming and you will have to put in the effort. Regardless of your personality type, if you strike the right balance between in-person and online networking, you’ll be well on your way to building a strong network. One thing remains undisputed: networks do not develop overnight. Building trust takes time and patience but with the right approach, you can soon have positive advocates and supporters on your side.