Boost LinkedIn Network with Post-Event Follow Up

YOU'VE NETWORKED, YOU'VE MET PEOPLE, WHAT NEXT? Networking is a fantastic way to boost your LinkedIn network and your visibility - and that of your company. After a networking event, of any kind, it's important to take a few steps to keep the momentum going. Meeting professionals IRL (in real life) is the best way to start relationship building. A gathering - whether locally with an area organization, or at a business seminar, or annual conference - offers a quick way to meet MANY people in a single setting. What to do next * Follow up within a few days - text, email, or phone call * Connect on LinkedIn (of course!) * Mention/share any resources discussed * Respond with any promises made * Use photos taken at the event and turn them into posts The important thing is not to wait too long to take these actions. You are on your way to developing relationships for the value that may exist between you. Everyone has value to offer - don't let these opportunities slide by! **************************************************************** I'm Debbie, with a challenging Scottish surname: Wemyss (weemz), who loves LinkedIn and has shared ways to improve your branding and marketing on this site for over 14 years along with our fabulous DW Consulting Solutions LLC Team! Contact us to learn how we can help YOU! 😊 info@dwconsultingsolutions.com Free downloads from our website: https://lnkd.in/e4FJwVsn JAN/FEB DWCS Newsletter https://conta.cc/3NRrWaP P.S. I enjoyed some fantastic networking during the #MBACREF26 Super Bowl party in San Diego as much as I did during the conference! 😊

Following on from our recent post about Networking, we want to ensure you’re fully prepared for your next networking event. Remember: networking isn’t just about what you do for work; it’s about who you are as a person. The best icebreakers are designed to start conversations naturally, giving you a chance to share a little about yourself, find common ground, and build a connection before any work-related topics arise. More often than not, it’s your first impression, approachability, and personality that set you apart - not your job title or achievements. 🧊🔨 What’s your go-to ice breaker at networking events? Rob Balmer  Todd Everitt  Sally-Anne Ross  Ty Southern  Reyna Matthes  Glenn Ball OAM GAICD

It’s that time of the year, conference and seminar season is in full swing. From industry forums to professional events, the rooms are filled with people, ideas, and opportunities. But remember: networking is not just about being seen or collecting business cards. It’s about connecting with purpose, having meaningful conversations, and building relationships that lead to real results. Show up prepared. Engage intentionally. Follow up strategically. That’s how networks turn into opportunities.

Our CEO Ben Dewson GAICD recently joined Business Hunter's Business in Focus event as a panellist to explore a topic many professionals have mixed feelings about… networking. The session challenged the idea that networking needs to feel forced, transactional or uncomfortable. Instead, it focused on clarity of purpose, genuine curiosity and building relationships that extend beyond job titles. Following the discussion, Ben has shared his reflections on why networking might need a reset and how approaching it with clarity and curiosity can change the experience entirely. Read the full article on our website: https://lnkd.in/gqrxNuND

I recently had the opportunity to join Jaimie Abbott, MBA, GAICD and Rob Dawson on a panel at Business Hunter's Business in Focus event. The brief was simple - networking without the awkward silences. It got me thinking about how many people dislike the word "networking" and what actually makes events valuable. For me, the shift is about purpose. Why are you there? Who do you want to connect with? And how do you make conversations more human rather than transactional? I have shared a short piece on the NHN website expanding on the discussion, including a simple mindset shift that has helped me approach events like this differently. If networking has ever felt forced or uncomfortable, this might resonate. You can read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gAZtp6dn

Most people at conferences make the same mistake - they try to "sell" themselves or their product within the first thirty seconds of meeting someone. It looks like real-life spam and triggers only one reaction: a polite nod and a desperate urge to run toward the coffee station. Real networking - is finding touchpoints where you can actually be useful. Instead of dumping a presentation of your achievements on someone, start by asking about their "pain points." Once you understand what problem a person is trying to solve, you can offer a solution, a contact, or just a fresh perspective. This is how you create the kind of value that makes people save your number out of necessity, not just out of politeness. People don't remember those who bragged the loudest about their company; they remember those who offered a solid piece of advice or connected them with the right expert. Your goal is to become a useful resource in the eyes of your contact, not just another manager in their list. If after a short chat, they are thinking "she knows her stuff and can help," you are halfway to a deal. And the most critical part is the follow-up. A quick message the next day with a specific reference to your conversation works a hundred times better than a stack of expensive business cards that will end up in the hotel trash anyway. In partnerships, your reputation is built on competence and utility, not on how much champagne you drank at the afterparty. How do you handle networking - do you go in for the kill or wait for the perfect moment near the buffet?

“𝐖𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐥 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠.” I hear this surprisingly often when speaking with event organizers. And it makes sense. No one wants forced meetings or awkward speed networking. But here’s the reality: 𝘐𝘯𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘭 𝘯𝘦𝘵𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘵𝘭𝘺 𝘣𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘧𝘪𝘵𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘦𝘹𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘰𝘰𝘮. Everyone else? They struggle to meet the right people. The result is something we’ve all heard after events: “𝘐 𝘸𝘪𝘴𝘩 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘮𝘦𝘵 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘷𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦.” Structured networking isn’t about forcing conversations. It’s about making the right introductions easier. The best events combine both: • informal conversations • and smart matchmaking Because great networking shouldn’t depend on who happens to bump into whom. Curious....how do you approach networking at your events?

I went to TWO networking events in the same week. Here's what I'm doing differently for the next one: #1. Ask the host or organizer who they think I should meet. 👀 I automatically assumed I'd meet relevant people, and left feeling disappointed when I didn't. I realized that you won't get to everyone, and mingling throughout the room won't guarantee that you find WHO could be the biggest game changer. #2 Figure out what type of event structure works for your networking goal. Some have no structure. Others are INTENTIONAL - formal introductions, activities or seating arrangements. Right now, I'm prioritizing the opportunities to practice my introduction and share where I'm going. I want the conversations to focus on business, rather than personal. #3 Connect before and after the event. 🔄 Show up in some capacity - such as engaging with social media posts leading up to the event. After, I'll recommend a next step with a new contact, or post about my experience. Something to reinforce my face and name. Even if you didn't connect there, it might not be too late! How you approach networking events depends on your goal and where you're at in business. By showing up, I feel better prepared for the next one. 💪 I'd love to know - How do you get the most out of networking?

When Networking Feels Like a Rock Concert Sometimes networking events feel a little like a rock concert. The room is buzzing. Everyone is excited. Conversations overlap everywhere. Everyone is trying to be heard. But try having a meaningful conversation in the middle of a rock concert. You can barely hear each other. This is exactly what happens in many networking events. Everyone is pitching. Everyone is introducing themselves. Everyone hopes to stand out. But very few people are actually listening. When networking becomes noise, opportunities become difficult to hear. This is why we started exploring a different approach called Intentional Networking. Instead of random conversations in a noisy room, Intentional Networking focuses on: • purposeful connections • meaningful conversations • identifying opportunities through introductions Because real business opportunities rarely emerge from noise.

A simple networking tip most people don’t know… If you attend networking events regularly, this is a small detail that can make a big difference. We all go to networking events. We shake hands. Exchange business cards. Try to remember names. But there’s a small detail most people overlook. Where you place your name tag. When you attend a networking event, your name tag should be worn on the right side. Here’s why. Most people greet others with a right-hand handshake. As you extend your hand, your body naturally turns slightly to the right. When your name tag is on the right side, it moves directly into the other person’s line of sight during the handshake. They can glance at your name while greeting you. No awkward moment trying to remember it two seconds later. No staring at your chest trying to read the badge. Just a smoother introduction. It’s a small adjustment, but small details often make the biggest difference when building relationships. And networking is really about making connections people remember. Next time you walk into a networking event, take two seconds before you start shaking hands. Move your name tag to the right side. Small detail. Better connections. In investigations and business, relationships often start with small details. Did you already know this networking tip, or is this a new one for you? #Networking #BusinessDevelopment #ProfessionalTips #RelationshipBuilding #Investigations #LitigationSupport #BusinessNetworking