Networking at Expo is easier than you think—even if you are shy or don’t enjoy participating in networking. The benefits from networking in a conference environment are immense, including meeting new people who can give you new information that will open up new possibilities for you.
Here are some tried and true suggestions to help you to make the most of your upcoming Expo:
- Start networking before you even get to Expo. It’s important to know who your fellow attendees will be. Consider contacting your Client Success Manager and asking if there are any members within your area whom you don’t know—and see if they will be attending the Atlanta Expo. Furthermore, ask your CSM if there are any particular members who enjoy mentoring other members or who just enjoy passing along information. This will give you a few people to look for once Expo begins.
- Touch base with your CSM at Expo. When you get to Atlanta, be sure to register early if possible. When you do so, find your CSM. Ask him if the members you’re seeking have registered yet. Ask your CSM if he is willing to point out those specific members at a break or at the beginning or end of the day. That way, you know who to talk to.
- Go up and introduce yourself. This is the most intimidating part for many. If you need some motivation, remind yourself that this could be an opportunity to really benefit your business. Also, there’s a strong likelihood that this fellow member was in your shoes at one point, sought out the guidance of other members, and knows how you feel. In other words, it’s okay to approach him/her and ask questions.
- Get to the point. Once you approach your fellow member, explain why you were seeking him/her out, and if they have a few minutes. If they say yes, ask a few open-ended key questions that may help you. If the interaction goes well, offer to purchase that members dinner if he/she would be willing to sit down with you that evening. If he/she is busy, see if they would mind talking with you at lunch that day.
- Listen. Whatever time your fellow member has available to talk with you, value it. Don’t interrupt him/her. Don’t argue with his/her thought process. Be respectful and remember that you’re seeking their input!
- See if there are any other members you should contact. Ask your fellow member if he/she knows of anyone else who would be willing to offer some advice or information on a particular concept or problem in question. Often members tend to develop friendship circles over the years—you might find yourself being able to network with several other knowledgeable members just by asking.
- Ask for contact information. Before you part from your fellow member, ask him/her if it’s okay to contact him/her in the future. See if the fellow member has a card. Maybe even set up a time in the next week or two where you can talk.
- Follow up with your fellow member. When you get home, assuming you have your fellow member’s business card, be sure to send him/her a thank-you card or just an email thanking him/her for the time spent with you. It will leave an impression on your fellow member, and it may motivate that member to reach out to you in the future.
Whatever your method for networking with fellow members, just be sure to do it. It’s one of the very most important parts of your membership. You will have close to hundreds of success-minded contractors attending Expo in Atlanta. They’re all good people who want to learn and many of whom are eager to share what they know. See if they can help you, and if you can help them.