Networking Event Preparedness

Over the next 3 months, I’m hosting 4 major events in France, UK, USA and KSA. Beforehand, I want to share my top tips on how to get the best out of networking. 1. Set Clear Targets Action: Make a hit list of the top 10 companies or people you need to meet. Research what they care about—know their wins, pain points, & what they’re hunting for before you walk through the door. Outcome: These conversations won’t just happen by chance. By doing your homework, you’ll turn a five-minute chat into a deal-building moment. Schedule meetings in advance, & after the event, send a tailored follow-up email that shows you were listening. 2. Take the Stage (Literally) Action: Get on the agenda. Whether it’s a keynote, panel, or fireside chat, nothing says “I’m the one to watch” like holding the mic. Use this time to address the industry’s biggest challenges & position yourself—& your company—as the answer. Outcome: Speaking builds instant credibility. It’s not just exposure; it’s authority. Post-event, share the highlights on LinkedIn & invite attendees to continue the conversation, turning an audience into a lead pipeline. 3. Own the Floor Action: Don’t just lurk—work the room. Engage with key exhibitors, ask questions, & position yourself as a resource, not just another pitch. Be direct but curious: “What’s your biggest challenge this year?” and “How can I help?” are powerful openers. Outcome: You’ll stand out as someone who listens. Take notes during conversations, & follow up within 48 hours with a personalised message. Not a generic “great meeting you”—send actionable insights or specific ideas that move the ball forward. 4. Host the Inner Circle Action: People bond better in a more relaxed setting than over Wi-Fi. Organise an exclusive dinner, roundtable, or cocktail event for a curated group of heavy hitters. Keep it intimate—this is about building relationships, not just showing off. Go easy on the heavy sell. Outcome: People remember who brought them value & connections, not who handed out free pens. Post-event, share any key takeaways & book one-on-one follow-ups to solidify what you started over drinks. 5. Hack the Tech Action: Use every tool at your disposal—event apps, LinkedIn, QR codes. Pre-event, reach out to attendees & book meetings. At the event, swap contacts digitally to keep things seamless, & use a CRM to track every interaction. Outcome: You’ll leave the event with an organised roadmap of leads, not just a stack of business cards destined for a desk drawer. Follow up strategically with segmented, value-driven emails & keep the momentum alive. The Bottom Line: Trade fairs & exhibitions aren’t just networking. Preparation, presence, & follow-up separate those who close deals from those who just collect swag bags. Be human. Don’t think of this as just a branding exercise but an opportunity for long term partnerships. Be genuine - your new contacts will become close contacts, if not friends. Make it count! #revenuegrowth

👻👻 A (professional) introvert's guide to making Networking Events Less Spooky 👻👻 If you fear networking events, copy my playbook. True story: I fear "networking events" on multiple levels. If biz dev wasn't part of my role with Remedy Public Relations, I'd be happy with a more behind-the-scenes role mentoring & strategizing (#careergoals). How do I make it "seem" easy? Preparation & strategy. 1. Show up EARLY. It's easier to strike up a conversation at the beginning than try to inject yourself after. 2. Be distinct. I like to wear one piece of flair that relates to who I am outside the office. My long-distance running shoes (Nike Zoom Fly Five / Hyper Pink), are a conversation starter. ⛳️ Do you play golf? Wear a golf shirt from a brand that only fellow golfers would know. IYKYK 3. Don't rush in. Whenever possible, I'll work remotely near the event. This gives me time to relax & collect myself before walking in. 4. Don't ask what someone does. That's transactional & many fear that question if they're between roles. Ask what they're up to. Let them choose the path. 5. Talk to everyone. I HATE the term referral partners, but I've received some great leads from people far removed from PR & marketing. 6. Plan to chat. Prepare to discuss something you're working on that you're excited about. - No one likes someone who only talks about their job. Be prepared to get personal. What did you do the weekend before that was exciting, or what are you looking forward to this weekend? Sound obvious? Sure… but I can barely remember what I had for lunch yesterday, so if you put me on the spot, I may forget if I didn't prepare. 7. Slide into those DMs. See who registered you want to meet & drop them a note. No list? Check who posted about going to the last event on social media. Drop them a note. 8. What's a challenge you or your industry is facing? Keep that in mind for conversations. 9. Work on your penmanship. If you have to write your own nametag at an event, it helps if people can read it. We also have little Remedy PR stickers to throw at the bottom of the nametags. Side note: Jonah Peake 🐺 has posted before about putting your nametag upside down to spark conversations. 10. Check your network to see who is going, but don't cling to them. I saw a lot of people I know & like at Connect's #IDSD24 a few weeks back, but I didn't sit with anyone too long. Move around. 11. Consistency brings comfort. Commit to a regular series of events so you start seeing some of the same people. It will make conversations less daunting & keep you in mind for later. 12. Stress builds strength. I try to commit to one new event or meeting a month that takes me outside my bubble. Makes the next one easier. 13. Drop a line to them after you meet. Keep the ball moving. Some pics below of people I met for the first time or strengthened relationships by going to networking events within the last six weeks. Kanani, Robyn Goldberg, Jason, Lu, Scott, Susan.

When I talk about networking, I’m not talking about awkward small talk or exchanging as many business cards as possible. Networking, when done right, is about creating meaningful connections that can last beyond the event. Here’s how to approach networking at events with intention: 1️⃣ Show Up Prepared: Know who’s attending, research speakers, and have a clear idea of who you want to meet. Preparation shows respect and sets the tone for a valuable interaction. 2️⃣ Listen More Than You Talk: Networking isn’t about selling yourself—it’s about showing genuine interest in the other person. Ask thoughtful questions and listen with intent. People remember how you make them feel. 3️⃣ Add Value Immediately: Whether it’s offering an introduction, sharing a helpful resource, or simply being present in the conversation, think about how you can bring value to the relationship from the start. 4️⃣ Follow Up Like a Pro: The real magic of networking happens after the event. Send a personal follow-up email or LinkedIn message that reflects on your conversation and keeps the door open for future collaboration. Remember, it’s not about the quantity of connections—it’s about the quality of relationships. Every interaction is an opportunity to build trust, learn something new, and grow your network authentically.

I just enjoyed six days in Las Vegas at the HUGE Adobe Summit. A place where, when I told my friends I was going, most laughed and laughed cause of my thimble-sized social battery. So... welcome to the Introvert's Guide to Networking: Extreme Edition. After ten years of attending big events I’ve learned none of it is about learning to be more extroverted. All of it is about being smarter with your energy. Five tips:                                            ⚡ 1. It's energy management, not conversation skills.                  Introverts can be brilliant conversationalists. The challenge isn't talking to people. It's that every interaction costs something. The goal is protecting your time so you can show up fully when it matters, and recoup when you need to.                                                  🪷 2. So, find your sanctuary.                           A quiet corner. A cubby. Your hotel room. The less glamorous corridor behind the expo hall. These spaces aren't hiding spots: they're recharging stations. Find them early.                                           🔈 3. Reduce the noise (literally). Vegas is sensory overload on steroids. Loop earplugs were a game-changer for me, both for the flight and the conference itself. They reduce noise rather than adding to it. Simple, but huge.                                           🗣️ 4. Network before you arrive. If you can get the attendee list early, drop a few messages before the event. It means you've already got past the hardest bit (the first hello) before you've even walked through the door.                               📕 5. Know the agenda.                              The lost sheep wandering around feeling is real. If you know which sessions you're attending, you can manage your energy around the moments that matter, rather than drifting and draining.                                           The biggest thing I'd say to any introvert heading to a big event: it's not about becoming someone else. It's about building the right scaffolding around who you already are.                                          (More detail in the video!)   #Ad

Conferences used to drain me. As an introvert, I would stand awkwardly holding a coffee, wondering how everyone else made networking look so easy. Here are 5 hacks that helped me—and might help you too: 1/ Create Your Personal Energy Zones: Don’t try to network the whole time. Set specific "on" times for socializing and give yourself "off" breaks to recharge. The key isn’t to stay active but to be strategic about when you are. 2/ Be a Connector, Not a Networker: Shift your focus from trying to meet people for yourself to helping others connect. It’s less stressful, and you'll be remembered as someone who brings value. 3/ Use "Curiosity Openers": Instead of preparing boring questions, try asking what excites them about their work or what drives them. It turns small talk into meaningful conversations. 4/ Leverage Your Quiet Presence: You don’t have to be loud to make an impact. Own your silence. Sometimes, standing calmly in a room of chatter makes you more approachable and memorable. 5/ Network After the Event is Over: Some of the best connections happen in the follow-up. Use LinkedIn or email to deepen conversations after the initial meeting, where it’s quieter and more personal. Networking doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By embracing our strengths, we can build meaningful connections. == P.S.: What are your go-to networking tips? Share them in the comments! #introvert #personaldevelopment #networking

As an HR professional, I’m often asked about networking and how to approach it effectively. Networking is not just about meeting people—it’s a powerful tool for personal development, continuous learning, and fostering meaningful connections. When done thoughtfully, it opens doors to new opportunities and helps you grow both personally and professionally. Here are three essential tips for successful networking: 1. Be Intentional * Set clear goals: Are you looking for mentorship, exploring new industries, or expanding your support network? Focus on quality not quantity. * Do your homework: Research attendees or speakers in advance and prepare thoughtful questions or talking points to guide your conversations. 2. Lead with Value * Networking is about building relationships, not just seeking personal gain. Shift your focus to “How can I help?” * Look for opportunities to support others—whether by sharing insights, offering resources, or making introductions that could be beneficial. 3. Keep the Connection Alive * After an event or meeting, follow up with a personalized message that references your conversation. * Maintain the relationship by staying in touch over time—share articles, updates, or simply check in to show you value the connection. Conversation Starters Consider these to spark engaging conversations: * "What’s the most exciting part of your current role or project?" * "What inspired you to attend this event today?" * "What’s a professional trend or topic you’re really interested in right now?" And one last tip: Put your phone down! Being fully present shows respect and builds deeper connections. What are your go-to networking strategies? I’d love to hear your thoughts! #Networking #Development #GrowthMindset

Early in my career, I treated networking like a checklist: ✔️ Attend events. ✔️ Hand out business cards. ✔️ Collect names. Done. Something felt empty, and it didn't sit well with me. Until I learned something simple 🔽 People don’t respond to your title.  They respond to your presence. So do this at your next event: 💡 Ask about challenges, dreams, fears, not just titles. 💡 Give first. A resource, insight, encouragement, no strings attached. 💡 Follow through, even a simple note of appreciation builds trust. 💡 Be genuinely curious and add value before expecting anything in return. Networking isn’t who you know. It’s who you are when you show up.

I avoided networking for years. 😟 The thought of crowded rooms, forced conversations, and awkward icebreakers sent my social anxiety into overdrive. 😰🙅♀️ But as a founder, networking isn’t optional—it’s essential. Whether it’s meeting potential collaborators, learning from others in the space, or simply getting the word out about Sama Health, I’ve realized that connecting with people is at the heart of building something meaningful. So, here is how I made it work for me: 1️⃣ I choose intimate events over big crowds. Think small workshops, niche meetups, or panels with limited attendees. Why? Because they’re less overwhelming and give me space to truly engage. Instead of feeling overwhelmed and alone in a sea of faces, I can focus on connecting with a few people meaningfully. 2️⃣ I find my safety net in advance. Before an event, I check who’s attending. If I spot someone I know—even remotely—I reach out. Planning to meet up with a familiar face takes the pressure off introducing myself cold to strangers. It’s like having a buddy system for your nerves! 3️⃣ When I don’t know anyone, I create my comfort zone. I scout attendees through LinkedIn and send a thoughtful connection request: a quick intro, why I’m excited about the event, and how I can add value. By the time the event rolls around, I’ve already “met” a few people, making real-life interactions far less intimidating. 4️⃣ I prepare my mind as much as my outfit. Anxiety doesn’t wait until you’re in the room—it starts days before. To manage it, I meditate, practice box breathing, and ground myself. This helps me show up calm, focused, and ready to engage (as much as I can). 🌟 Networking isn’t about forcing yourself into someone else’s version of how it should be. It’s about showing up in ways that feel right for you. For me, that means being intentional, prepared, and focused on genuine connections. 🤔 If you’ve found your own hacks for networking with social anxiety, I’d love to hear them. And if you’re like me—someone who thrives on smaller, more meaningful interactions—let’s connect! You never know where one conversation might lead. 💬✨ #NetworkingWithAnxiety #SocialAnxiety #AuthenticConnections #MentalHealthMatters #ProfessionalGrowth 🔁 Repost if you believe networking should feel authentic, not overwhelming!

💥The power of networking with authenticity💥 Earlier this year, Udemy approached me to create a B2B course on networking. They thought that my approach to leadership made me a networking expert. This was a surprise to me. I don't *feel* like a natural networker. It's something that I've always thought I was bad at. And as an ambivert, while I can amp up my energy to be dazzling, afterwards I'm pretty drained and need much solo time to recuperate. Perhaps we teach what we most need to learn. My Udemy script had just been submitted to their capable content team when I attended a day-long #AsianLeadershipSummit at the Stanford University Graduate School of Business Here's how I put my own tips into practice: 1️⃣ Be in service Many of us shy away from networking as because the seemingly transactional nature and shallow conversations makes it feel awkward and inauthentic. Instead of wondering how the people you meet could be useful to you, focus on being genuinely curious and seek to learn about them. For each person, consider how you could be of service to them. I love coaching and asking people questions that might lead them to an insight or transformation. During the conference, I had a handful of quick coaching sessions (with permission of course!) which was incredibly energizing for me. 2️⃣ Be strategically proactive Quieter leaders can do your research beforehand. Find the people you're most interested in and reach out to them on LinkedIn before the event. Another strategy is to speak up and ask questions. This shows the speaker that you've been listening and processing their talk. If you ask a question, you'll stand out. In between sessions, many people came up to me to relate to the questions I asked during the main events. Several people I knew came to find me, they only knew I was present because I asked a question. 3️⃣ Follow up This one is super tactical but very productive. When you meet a person you have a connection with, connect with them on LinkedIn immediately. Follow up 24-48 hours later with a note referencing your conversation or sharing a resource. When appropriate, suggest the follow-up action. 4️⃣ Keep iterating. Networking is a long-term practice Create your networking practice over time and over multiple events. First acquaintances become weak ties with follow up and over time eventually become friends. You're not just networking to get the next job but to create a life-long set of rich, professional relationships. I feel so blessed to have reconnected with former clients, colleagues and friends with Madison Y. Li, Denise Ang, Mo Fong, Deborah Liu and met some new friends in person with Dennis Yao Yu and Dave Lu. P.S. Final tip, take the photos! Perhaps it's the Asian-ness and I was both amused and inspired that the organizers took several minutes after each speaker finished to take the commemorative photo on stage. #makespacetolead #leadership #networking #aapi #buildingmomentum #executivecoaching