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There's one thing master networkers never bring to conferences. What is it? A buddy. Networking pros fly solo. They value opportunity over comfort.
Flying solo at a conference allows you the freedom and flexibility to move where and when you want and speak with the people who interest you. This is your opportunity to connect with individuals from different companies, industries and fields. Harness the power of these connections and come away with innovative ideas and exciting opportunities. Here are three networking tips you can use when flying solo at a conference:
1. Arrive early and stay late.
When you attend a conference on your own, you do not have to worry about coordinating schedules and logistics with others. Arrive prior to the start of the conference. That is, get there before the first session or even the start of registration. If that means waking up a bit earlier, do it. This is an early window of opportunity for you to start networking and connecting with people. Have breakfast with someone or strike up a conversation with someone when you are at the registration table. Those who arrive just before the start of the first session are missing out on a valuable opportunity.
Jessica Kilcullen, Founder of Harvest Summit, believes "it takes a conscious effort to put yourself in these experiences — sitting at the table you normally wouldn't gravitate to or attending the early morning activity offered like yoga or meditation. But these shared experiences can be the most rewarding networking because they lead to more authentic connections."
Similarly, stay to the end of the event and even after the last session. Many attendees rush off before or at the end of the conference, but there are always some people around. The time after the last session is another great opportunity to continue networking. You can continue a conversation you started earlier or start a discussion with another person. Conferences are long days anyway. Take full advantage of it.
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2. Sit with and be seen by others.
Instead of talking with your buddy, you can strike up a conversation with the person sitting next to you before and after a session and during lunch. Your conversation will focus on you and the other person and not a buddy of yours whom you already know (that can take up valuable networking time).
At a session, sit towards the front. Be close enough for the speakers to see you and to approach them with a comment or question after the session. But think twice about sitting in the front row. You may be the only one sitting in the front row since many people are hesitant to sit there, which can make engaging in conversation difficult. Be sure to sit where there are people around you.
3. Use bathroom breaks wisely.
Most people head to the bathroom between sessions, and many women go with a buddy. If you go to a conference by yourself, you will not have a friend to be a bathroom buddy. And that is a good thing. The time between sessions at a conference can be some of the most valuable networking time you have at an event. "Some of the best conversations happen in the unstructured time at conferences, including while waiting in line," says Kilcullen.
To take advantage of this precious time in between sessions, either slip out briefly during a session (so that you do not miss this networking time) or network with the people in the bathroom line. Ask the person next to you what they thought of the last session or what made them interested in attending the conference. Networking pros leverage any time and anywhere to network.
Going to a conference is about identifying new ideas and opportunities. Get outside your comfort zone. Use these techniques to maximize your time connecting with people at a conference and advance your career.
How do you fly solo at a conference and maximize the opportunity to network? Share with me your stories and thoughts in the comments section below or via Twitter or LinkedIn.
