Easy Tips To Become A Pro Networker│ Internet 2.0 Conference

Events and conferences have always been an integral aspect of the corporate humdrum. The pandemic indeed pushed us into our homes for almost two years but the situation is now slowly changing.

IT conferences and events are now all set to make a comeback. And with approximately 200 million people vaccinated, it seems like good news for the future of tech events in the USA among other such social settings that witnessed a slowdown.

While virtual events serve the purpose, when talking about networking, social events like the upcoming tech event, Internet 2.0 Conference are gold mines for networking opportunities. And if you want to climb up the corporate ladder, networking is your best friend.

Data shows that 66% of event planners find their next customers during networking conferences. While companies that invest in face-to-face meetings for networking earn 12.5$ on every dollar they invest. Also, 70% of the time networking presents new opportunities for business owners.

Seminars and trade shows, IT conferences and tech events are one of the preferred means for networking by business owners and enthusiasts. Even more so because according to data, 40% of in-person meetings result in new customers. In fact, 80% of B2B customers make decisions based on the experience they have with each other leading to a steady rise in the number of tech events, seminars and conferences in the USA.

Judging by the facts and numbers, the importance of networking can be easily established.

However, while some may enjoy the process of mingling with unknown people, for some it can be daunting. Even more now, thanks to the pandemic and the work-from-home culture we got used to. But it need not be that way. In fact, networking can be fun. All one needs is the right plan, attitude, and a few simple tips to nail the game.

So while you work with the plan and attitude, let’s dive into a few handy tips to help you along the way.

Preparation 101

Social gatherings might not be everyone’s cup of tea. Settings like IT conferences and events, trade shows, etc are well-planned scenarios and tend to be quite fast-paced. Hence, before attending an event like that it is a good idea to be prepared. And the most important step to preparing for events like this is to stay up-to-date.

There are many tech events in USA, trade shows, conferences, etc that are held annually. Some great examples are the upcoming tech event Internet 2.0 Conference 2023 edition or the THAT Conference, Texas.

When attending events like that it’s always a good idea to stay up-to-date on the findings of previous editions and keep yourself informed. Events like these are also planned well in advance so you can always catch up on what to look forward to on their websites.

Preparation also means being dressed appropriately. The pandemic made our washed-down pajamas and tees the new alternative for suits and formals. But when attending important events, dressing the part is mandatory. Not only it sets up a great first impression but adds to your confidence quotient as well.

The Confidence Quotient

Almost 7 out of 10 people suffer from impostor syndrome these days. With so much competition around, doubting our capabilities is almost as natural as breathing. However, in social scenarios especially ones driven by experts and leaders all gathered in one place, confidence is going to be your lifesaver.

Yes, being confident is a feat and no less. Especially for people with introverted qualities. But it’s not unattainable. Just remember you are where you are because of your capabilities. The simplest key to being confident is to believe in yourself. That’s it. That’s all it takes.

Be Up-To-Date And Informed

Just like explained in the first point, it is crucial to stay up to date with the happenings of an event before you attend it. You may encounter some veterans who have been a part of these events for a long time. These are the people who should be topping your networking chart.

And if you want to make an impression, being up-to-date and informed is very important. Apart from that, as a first-timer, it’s good to know what you are getting yourself into. For instance, you can always hop onto the website for the Internet 2.0 Conference, an upcoming tech event to be held in USA and Dubai, and go through their carefully planned agenda to acquaint yourself with the know-how. Any properly planned event will always have a guide for the attendees to help them maneuver through the event without any hassle or confusion.

Also often, events and associations tend to make big claims, especially if it requires paying certain charges. And it is not uncommon for them to actually turn into scams. Just to be on the safer side, it is a smart idea to check out for reviews to be extra sure.

The Pitch Perfect Pitch

No, we aren’t talking about the movie or voice quality. We are talking about YOUR pitch viz your ticket to the networking world. Not everyone is acquainted with everyone at events like conferences and trade shows.

Conversations can happen over panel discussions, presentations, or simply over a cup of coffee. No matter how your convo is starting, that’s your cue and that’s where your pitch comes in. In settings like this, a pitch doesn’t have to be literal.

In fact, in hindsight that may play against you. Instead, you have to subtly and even in a friendly manner pitch yourself and your business to the prospective client or the interested party. The trick is to be interesting in a discreet manner without coming off too strong.

What’s Your Agenda?

It is already established that events like conferences and seminars are some of the best options to network your way to the professional milestones you want to achieve. In the same breath, it is also just as easy to get lost in the crowd and lose the opportunity to build a strong network completely.

While networking, having a clear thought-out agenda is very important. What kind of person do you want to connect with? What do you hope to gain from these connections? Having a proper plan saves you a lot of time and brings in meaningful connections that benefit you in the long run.

Final Words

All in all, networking is no less than an art. And a necessity in today’s competitive professional settings. Daunting as it may be, this could also be your golden ticket to the heaven of opportunities and life-changing connections. Because just as Michele Jennae said, “Networking is not about just connecting people. It’s about connecting people with people, people with ideas, and people with opportunities.”