The Power Of Events
How to Make Powerful Connections at Business Events (and Step Out of Your Comfort Zone)
Hey lovelies! This is a topic that's close to my heart - business events and how they can be a game-changer for making powerful connections. Stepping away from your desk and diving into the world of networking can feel daunting, especially for those of us who are introverted (yes, that’s me too!), but trust me - it’s where the magic happens.
So, today, I’m going to talk you through the different types of events, how to make the most of them, and how to create a strategy that turns those nervous butterflies into business-boosting opportunities. Whether you're walking into a room with thousands of people or a small, intimate gathering, the connections you make can seriously elevate your business.
The Different Types of Business Events
Let’s kick off by exploring the different types of events you might come across.
Large-Scale Events
These are the big ones - the type where there are thousands of delegates, the atmosphere is buzzing, and the energy is next level. While they’re full of excitement, they can also feel a bit overwhelming, especially for introverts like me. But, with the right mindset, they can provide incredible value.Medium-Sized Events
These events have around 100-200 attendees, making it easier to connect with people while still offering that energetic buzz. You might not meet everyone, but the chances of forming valuable connections are high.Small, Intimate Events
My personal favourite! 🥰 These events, with fewer than 100 people, give you the opportunity to connect deeply with almost every attendee. They’re the perfect starting point for anyone nervous about stepping into the event world. You’ll feel more at ease, and because everyone is looking to connect, conversations flow more naturally.
Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone
Here’s a little confession - I’m an introvert. I know, hard to believe right? But those big events can really drain me, and sometimes I need to step away just to recharge. So, if you’re feeling nervous, don’t worry - you’re not alone. It’s totally normal to feel overwhelmed, but the key is to step out of that comfort zone and push yourself to connect.
The easiest way to do this? Go to events on your own. When you don’t have a friend or colleague to lean on, you’re forced to talk to others. It might feel intimidating at first, but trust me, it’s the best way to make meaningful connections.
How to Maximise the Value of Events
Now, let’s dive into the strategy. Because let’s be real, if you’re going to invest time and money into an event, you want to make sure you’re getting the most out of it!
1. Go in with a Plan
Gone are the days where I’d just show up and hope for the best. Now, I always take the time to research the event, look at the schedule, and figure out who I want to connect with. I even make a list of potential opportunities - like finding sponsors, collaborators, or people who might be a good fit for my future projects.
2. Start Conversations Everywhere
Whether you're waiting in line for coffee or sitting down for a talk, always be open to starting conversations. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve made valuable connections in the most random places - like the queue for coffee at Ideas Fest! Within 20 minutes of being there, I met someone whose business aligns perfectly with mine, and now we’re planning to collaborate. It’s all about being open and ready to connect.
3. Tailor the Event to Your Needs
Look at the event schedule ahead of time. Which sessions will offer you the most value for where you are in your business journey? Don’t waste time sitting in talks about topics you’ve already mastered. Instead, focus on those that will give you new insights or skills that you can implement right away.
4. Focus on Building Relationships, Not Sales
It’s so tempting to go into events thinking you’ll make instant sales. But here’s the truth - you probably won’t. And that’s okay! The connections you make at these events are more about building long-term relationships, which can lead to collaborations, referrals, and opportunities down the line. So, go in with a mindset of giving and learning, not selling.
5. Nail Your Introduction
You don’t need a long-winded pitch to introduce yourself. Instead, focus on a powerful, concise statement that tells people what you do and why you do it. For example, rather than saying, “I’m a bookkeeper,” you might say, “I help busy business owners get a better handle on their finances so they can feel more in control.” This opens up the conversation instead of shutting it down.
The Power of Networking Events
Now, let’s quickly touch on networking events - they’re a bit different from conferences but can be just as valuable. One mistake I see time and time again is people showing up at networking events expecting to make sales on the day. That’s just not realistic, my loves. Instead, go in with the aim of building connections and exploring collaborations. This mindset will help you make the most out of every networking opportunity.
And, ditch the business cards! Seriously. Connect with people instantly on LinkedIn or Instagram. Not only does this make sure they won’t forget you, but it also gives you the chance to stay in their feed and in their minds.
Ready to Take the Leap?
If you’re new to the world of business events, I’d recommend starting small. Ease yourself in, build your confidence, and before you know it, you’ll be ready to tackle those larger events with ease. And speaking of events, don’t forget about Elevate in December - it’s going to be an amazing opportunity to grow your brand, connect with like-minded women, and learn from industry experts in an intimate, supportive setting.
Attending events can be a game-changer for your business, but only if you go in with the right mindset and strategy. So, what events are you planning to attend in the next six months? Let me know - I might just see you there! 😘
As always, if you have any questions or need a bit of a confidence boost before attending your next event, feel free to reach out. You can also join our Female Founders Facebook group - it’s such a supportive space, and I’m sure you’ll find a buddy to ease those nerves.
Until next time, stay confident, keep making those connections, and I’ll see you at the next event! 💖
Listen to the full episode here:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2zI0pMSpzgtlOgElpSVJK8?si=vc6dDNxHRBCOZXzdSgC5QA
