Have you ever found yourself in this all-too-familiar situation?
An event is over, and you’ve made some promising connections. You exchanged contact information, business cards, smiles, and possibly a few awkward jokes.
You are optimistic about new opportunities and continuing the conversations but there comes the….. silence.
Awkward silence, and even worse you go on to become one more view on their whatsapp status. You are left with memories of your initial conversation and one burning question? “what do I say now?”.
We have all been there, thinking of the next clever thing to say along with a lingering sense of missed opportunity.
But it doesn’t have to be that way, we will show you in this guide 4 ways to break the ice, what to do and what not to do, to keep the conversation going and turn potential valuable connections into a lifelong network if you please.
- Don’t Exchange Numbers, Share Socials Instead:
You know that feeling of wanting to exchange numbers because it somehow feels like a more personal connection? We get it.
But unless you want to become just another “WhatsApp status view” in someone’s life, there’s a better way.
Connecting on social media platforms instead allows you to access a goldmine of information about your new contact. You can gain insights into their interests, hobbies, and professional background through linkedin, Instagram e.t.c.
For example, you might notice they recently attended a conference, visited a new city, or shared an article related to your industry. These observations can be like having a cheat sheet for sparking intriguing conversations and deeper connections.
2. When You Collect Business Cards, Ask for Two:
Collecting business cards is a common practice at events, but here’s a tip that can set you apart and leave a lasting impression:
Ask if they have a second card to spare. This small act not only shows your eagerness to stay in touch but also conveys your willingness to promote their business or personal brand.
This goodwill can lead to reciprocity, where your connection may go out of their way to assist you or refer you to valuable contacts in their network but even if they don’t do that yet, its a great impression to leave with someone you are interested in building a relationship with.
3. Always Send a Follow-Up Message Before 24 Hours:
Timing is crucial; People’s memories are often fleeting, and the longer you wait to reach out, the harder it becomes to rekindle the connection.
Make it a golden rule to send a follow-up message within 24 hours and after that, routinely stay in touch.
Express your delight in meeting them, reference specific topics from your conversation or an interesting idea they shared, it helps keep your conversation fresh in their mind, making it easier to pick up where you left off.
4. Be a resource, offer to help before you ask for help:
Remember, networking is a two-way street. It’s not just about what you can gain; it’s about what you can give. Be a resource to your connections. Offer assistance, share your expertise, and provide value wherever you can.
When you offer help before you ask for help, you build trust and goodwill. Your connections see you as someone they can rely on, and they’re more likely to reciprocate when you need assistance. So be the person who brings value to the table.
And there you have it – several strategies to navigate the post-event networking world with finesse. We hope you find these tips helpful in turning those initial connections into valuable, long-lasting relationships.
Now, if you’re interested in diving deeper into the world of meeting new people who could be potentially valuable to your business, TMK events are a great place to expand your network and nurture meaningful connections.
Check out our previous events here https://tmkentertainment.com/tmk-gallery/ and see for yourself
Until next time, happy networking!