Conquering Conferences: Less Awkward-School-Dance, More Savvy Networking
Finding success in a world where everyone's trying to be the cool kid.
Ed. note: This is the first article in a series providing a comprehensive guide to networking at conferences.
Ever felt like a conference was a throwback to your high school dance, minus the bad music and questionable fashion choices?
You’re not alone. It’s a world where everyone’s trying to be the cool kid.
Imagine stepping into the bustling conference hotel, a hive of activity, where clusters of lawyers resemble old school cliques and not knowing where to begin or what to say. What do you do?
Navigating this social labyrinth requires a strategy, especially when it comes to engaging with individuals. It’s about finding that perfect opening line, akin to choosing the right song for a dance.
Just like in those teenage years, there’s a bit of nervous excitement mixed with the hope of making a connection. You’re not just reaching out to exchange pleasantries; you’re looking to strike a chord, to find that common ground that turns a brief encounter into a meaningful conversation and maybe even a business relationship.
In the sea of conference networking, one-on-one conversations can be incredibly powerful. They offer a unique opportunity to dive deeper into someone’s world without the distractions of a group setting. Personally, I find these interactions more rewarding.
For instance, I always look for a personal connection point during these conversations. It could be their alma mater, hometown, or even a shared interest.
If someone mentions they went to the University of Chicago, I instantly share a snippet of my childhood in Chicago until third grade. This often leads to more personal questions, like “Where did you live after Chicago?”
Just like that, we’re no longer just exchanging formalities; we’re sharing stories, breaking the ice, and yes, metaphorically dancing!
Solo Moves at the Networking Dance
Making the first move in networking, much like in dancing, requires a mix of confidence and tact.
Each approach is a dance step, an opportunity to initiate a rhythm of conversation.
Whether you’re a networking novice or a seasoned socializer, these one-on-one encounters are where individual connections begin.
Here are a few opening lines to consider, each one an invitation to start a new dialogue, a solo dance of sorts, in the bustling ballroom of the conference.
- “Hi, I’m [Your Name]. Is this your first time at this conference, or are you a seasoned attendee?”
- “Good [morning/afternoon/evening], I’m [Your Name]. I’m on a mission to meet new people today. How’s the conference treating you?”
- “Excuse me, I couldn’t help but notice your [something you noticed about them]. Hi, I’m [your name].
- “Hi, I’m [Your Name]. I’m trying to make new connections here. What’s been the highlight of the conference for you?”
- “Hi, I’m [Your Name]. I saw that you were in the last presentation. What’d you think?
As we’ve seen, engaging in one-on-one conversations at conferences is an art that combines professionalism with a personal touch. In the next article of our series, we’ll delve into the delicate dance of handling rejection and the dynamics of group networking.
Stay tuned for more insights on how to gracefully waltz through these common networking challenges.
The Solo Networking Dance: A Recap
✔️ Approach with confidence: Use ice-breaker lines to initiate one-on-one conversations.
✔️ Find personal connection points: Share stories or experiences that relate to the other person’s background or interests.
Sejal Patel is the Founder of Sage Ivy, a New York-based consultancy specializing in empowering attorneys with innovative practice development strategies. With over 20 years of experience, Sejal applies her expertise in assisting clients convert their relationships into revenue by applying individualized strategies to their networks and leveraging their unique styles authentically.
