As a New York event planner, you know the value of networking. It’s how you build communities and develop relationships needed to grow your business. But today’s era of networking success requires a different playbook and approach. Here’s how event planners can make the most of every networking opportunity, colleague luncheon, and collaborative event.
Approach Each Networking Engagement with a Goal
You’re a master chameleon and can work any room on the fly. You’re an event planner. It’s what you do. But if you sincerely want to make the most of your networking experience, it’s best to prepare ahead of time and set some goals for yourself. Approach each networking engagement with purpose. Look to meet someone new in a unique niche. Strive to connect with someone more successful than you. Set goals to walk away with ten new connections. Whatever your goals, be sure to establish them before setting foot in the room.
Prepare Some Conversation Starters
As a New York event planner, you’re not shy about starting conversations. However, each networking event presents unique opportunities to connect with strategic partnerships. To make the most of those opportunities, try to rehearse a few icebreakers and conversation starters that help separate your chat from those had with others, and you stand out from the crowd. Make a brilliant first impression with your first statement and handshake. It’s the best way to secure those partnerships.
Meet People Who Are More Successful
Networking is about active listening. It’s also about being a mentor to others. But don’t get comfortable in a room as an expert. Instead, seek out connections with others who are more successful and more knowledgeable than you. You’ll find the most value in your ability to learn from the experience of others. And when you spot those opportunities while you’re networking, that’s when you’ll find the true gems that will help advance your business.
Follow Up with Every Networking Connection
One of the biggest mistakes event planners can make is not following up with the connections they make at a networking event. Every new person you meet becomes another opportunity to grow and learn. But those growth and learning perks won’t come to life if you’re not following up with those engagements. Create a plan to email or call those you meet a week or so later. Express gratitude for the time spent chatting with them and offer to get together for lunch.
Make the most of every networking opportunity when you keep these key elements in mind. And don’t forget to secure your spot at the best networking event of the year – The Event Planner Expo 2023 is coming! And the industry’s top influencers and professionals will be there. Will you be?
