10 unconventional ways to make the most of networking events

Photo credit: Alexis Brown

Networking at an event or conference can be pretty intimidating, especially for those who are new to it. Where do I start? Who should I talk to? What topics will be good to start off conversations? Why is everyone in a group and how can I join in?

It can be especially hard to navigate your way through big tech conferences like Echelon, Tech In Asia, TechVenture, Innovest Unbound, Slush, etc. I’ve seen these techniques tried and tested, and it could help you too at these events.

Preparation before the event

1. Use scheduling services/ scheduling software to set meetings

Scheduling meetings for an event is a full time job. Seriously! If you have very specific objectives for your event and understand the demographic of who you are targeting (sales, investment, partnerships, media publicity, etc), hire a freelancer to help you with the outreach.

Using software (such as emails, LinkedIn or event apps) to arrange meetings might also be helpful to maximise your efforts and save you a great deal of time.

Build up your meeting pipeline ahead of time, instead of going around the event blindly. This maximises your time at the event, making your time there worthwhile.

2. Print out a hit list and use it for reference at the event

One of the tricks that Alvin Chai, the co-founder and CEO of Netizen Testing has used is to print out the faces of the attendees that he wants to meetup with, and bring it along to look for them during the event. Startup FBI at work!

3. Request a speaking slot, and share something interesting

This is not unconventional, but has not been discussed in detail. Often used by VCs and corporates, speaking about an interesting topic on stage is one of the fastest and most efficient methods to get inbound conversations going.

It is a great way to build your personal identity and thought leadership for the company you represent.

Anchor your speech and topics on something that is extremely relevant to the audience you want to target (eg. if you are selling sales-related software, your topic should revolve around techniques that increase sales or best practices in sales) and you will be swarmed with the relevant audience after your speech.

Of course, if your content and presentation is too forceful or biased towards your own objectives, it might actually have a negative effect.

At the event

4. Find entry points to open up conversations

They say the early bird catches the worm, but in such events, the later birds catch it too! Reach the event venue earlier to find opportunities to talk with fellow attendees who are early, and it works as well when you stay till late and talk to people that stay behind.

Other areas that you can camp to start conversations include the waiting line for registration or coffee, smoking area, lounge area, event passageways and after-parties.

When we went to some of the tech events this year to fundraise for our startup Bow and Tiara, instead of waiting at the speed-dating line or getting a booth to wait for people to come and talk to us, we took initiative to continuously walk up and down the attendee passageways and approach people with an investor tag, and camp near the investor lounges and exits of the speed-dating corners.

No conference talks, pitching competition, nor any exhibitions, just approaching and talking investors for the entire two days. And in these two days, we have gotten more than 50+ conversations going with investors for each conference that we go, resulting in great validation and feedback for our business.

5. Look for older, well-dressed people to start a conversation

Does this make any sense? It sure does!

Older, well-dressed attendees at business events are typically decision-makers. They tend to hold a higher rank in larger organisations and have great insights, powerful networks and help give valuable feedback to your organization.

6. Be BFFs with the organiser and ask for introductions

Get some help from the organisers whenever possible. Period. Organisers are the only people at the event that have the entire contact list, and it makes sense to seek their help.

When I was still running Echelon, I recall this one company that stuck with me for the entire event, just to get introductions to more investors throughout the conference. Of course, don’t be a pain in the ass and disrupt their work. Only ask whenever convenient for them.

7. Hang out with an influencer

If you happen to know someone who has a great network in the event that you are attending, it makes sense to navigate the event with him/her, as they will most likely open up new doors for you.

More often than not, they will introduce you to other influencers that might introduce you to more influencers and so on. Of course, don’t be a leech, and help them out whenever possible with introductions as well.

Arnaud Bonzom, Director at 500 startups and one of the most connected professionals in Southeast Asia’s tech industry, used this technique well. He’ll ask connectors and influencers for five people that he should talk to and get introduced.

8. Wear something unique and interesting

Best conversation starter! Wear a stylish cowboy hat and people will be curious about it. Even if you are seen as a fashion disaster that day, it’s still better than wearing something that blends in with the crowd.

Execute it right, and you will be the networking magnet of the event.

I first took notice of John Tan, founder of SaturdayKids, at a business tech event because of his colourful socks and brightly coloured outfits. It has helped him build a stylish persona within the tech industry.

Photo credit: Unsplash

9. Sponsor a round of drinks at an after-party

Used by many corporates/ VCs, it is a great way to say hi and get appreciated. Who doesn’t like being treated to a beer? Request for some airtime to thank people for coming down for the event, and people will be receptive when talking to you.

10. Hit and run method

I learnt of this method from Tech In Asia’s very own COO, Andrew Wang. The idea is to split the team, spend 5-10 mins talking to everyone at the event separately, and farm the entire event.

Open the conversation with a simple “Hi! My name is XX from XX, and pleasure to meet you!”, spend some time understanding them, share a bit more about yourself, and move on after 5-10 mins. Your objective is to touch base with everyone at the event with a little bit of assertion.

If there is someone relevant, come back and talk to them again after your farming. This is the best way to collect name cards through hard work, bu follow ups are usually needed to build stronger relationships.

Bonus

11. Print brochures of your company and paste them in toilets at the event venue

Of course, don’t ever do it! I have seen it done at events where startups paste brochures on the urinal wall and toilet doors. Although it get the company eyeballs, who in the world will respect a company that invades your privacy?