It's International Networking Week. 9 Tips for Networking at a Conference

It's International Networking Week. 9 Tips for Networking at a Conference

Networking at a conference is easier than you think–even if you're
shy or don't enjoy participating in networking. The benefits from
networking in a conference environment are immense such as meeting
new people who can give you new research, product, or information
leads that will open up new possibilities for you, so it pays to
keep your mind focused on these rather than worrying about putting a
foot wrong.

If the big names floor you, and you're feeling overwhelmed by the
expertise around you, take a deep breath and prepare to realize the
opportunity before you. This article provides some tried and true
suggestions for helping you to make the most of the big thinkers and
agenda-setters at a conference while you've got them close.

!! Steps !!

Check out the background information online Start networking before
you even get to the conference. It's important to know who your
fellow attendees will be and what their specializations, business, or
expertise is. In particular, look up the people who will be
presenting at the conference. They are the influencers who can help
you get better networked into your targeted industry, or who may even
be able to share ideas with you or give you a little time to talk
through things that you're doing.

* Take the time to visit the presenters' websites, if relevant. They
should also have email addresses on their websites–even top
executives may have emails. But, if they don't try to find them on
sites like LinkedIn.[1] [1]

* If you're aiming to network with someone working for a company,
also research the company's background, including its history and
age, mission, achievements, and principal staff.

Links:
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[1] http://bemoreconfident.info/#_note-0
[2] http://bemoreconfident.info/#_note-1