LESSONS FROM A SUCCESSFUL NETWORKING EVENT

If you read my last week’s blog, you know I was at a conference for 4 days. In the past, I would have been filled with dread going to a conference, telling myself I am here to attend the presentations and to give one; I can try and meet people but blah blah blah. Networking and being around people I didn’t know was really hard for me. Until last week.

So, what was different this time? Basically some simple strategies and a mind hack that you can read here.

So, why do I consider last week’s conference a success and what have I learned from it that can benefit you as well? Let’s explore these 3 simple success lessons which I hope will inspire you as well.

SUCCESS 1: I SPOKE TO PEOPLE I HAD INTENDED TO

I reviewed the list of attendees before the conference started. Made a note of all the people I wanted to touch base with. Put an x against the ones I definitely wanted to meet without fail. Made a note of who knows me/of me and who won’t know me at all. I also thought about what I want to discuss with people; with some it was direct business, others it was more to just network.

This exercise ensured I wasn’t just winging it and had a proper plan. I also had 4 days to ensure I meet all the people I really wanted to. Result? I managed to meet all the people I had hoped to. It felt great!

SUCCESS 2: DEEPENED RELATIONSHIPS WITH MY NETWORK

I prepared myself using the simple mind hacks I spoke of earlier. This enabled me to be in inflow and enjoy myself. I approached it with the mindset of having great conversations, coming from a place of curiosity and getting to know people. As a result, I have definitely gotten to know some people really well and deepened relationships with a few that I am so happy about. I have left the conference feeling quite pleased.

You might be wondering why this is important. Well, as some of you may know, I am fairly new to the UK (2.5 years) and hence I don’t know many people really well. I am an introvert and thrive on strong relationships. This is one of the most important areas I focus on in my personal and professional life and brings me much joy. Hence, not being able to meet people during the pandemic, this felt like a great step forward.

SUCCESS 3: SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT MY PASSION: COACHING & PEOPLE DEVELOPMENT

I had connected to a few people on LinkedIn already in advance of the conference. Naturally, people were curious which led to great conversations. I talked so much about my passion – coaching, leadership and people development. I talked about how I am in a position of privilege and so humbled to be doing work that tangibly changes lives. People were intrigued and wanted to know more and I loved telling them more. This happened rather organically which is the best way and feels most in flow. I am not much of a plant seeds here, apply a sales tactic there. I love talking about this part of my work, will share with anyone who is interested, and as a result, this organically helps me spread the word as well.

The clarity around how I want to show up each day at this conference somehow made things easier for me. Less anxiety, more enjoyment.

Too often, we have a vague goal or an idea of a goal. When we don’t meet that vague goal, it feels like failure. On the other hand, we might have a goal, but it might be unrealistic coupled with very high expectations of ourselves.

Going into this conference with my eyes wide open, being clear on what I would like to achieve by the end of the 4 days, and how I would like to feel throughout the process enabled me to feel happy and satisfied as I travelled back to London.

What do you take away from this? Do you set very high expectations of yourself only to not meet them? If you are anything like me, here are some tips for you to ensure you set yourself up for success and not failure:

1. Set a clear objective

2. Assess whether it is realistic + gets you out of your comfort zone (you want to stretch yourself a bit)

3. Have clear KPIs – how will you know it has been achieved

In reality, things don’t have to be complicated. Sometimes the simplest things are the hardest ones to do, but they are easy to implement if you really want it.

I love hearing back from you. Do share your thoughts and stories, as it really inspires me to read them.

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Categories: Growth, Leadership