If youโre coming to the next Employee Benefits & Rewards Forum (or if youโve been to one before) youโll know just how many opportunities there are to network with your industry peers.
The networking areas are where, as industry suppliers or buyers, you can follow up on conversations youโve had during the one-to-one meetings that form the core of the event.
Or, you know, talk about the football.
Either way, business is more often than not about building relationships.
We create networking environments that are informal and free of any pressure – whether thatโs during the plentiful coffee breaks, over the delicious lunches and gala dinner, or playing roulette as part of the evening entertainment.
To help you get the most out of these opportunities, weโve pulled together a few top tips for becoming the consummate networker:
Always be yourself: Youโre among friends at the Employee Benefits & Rewards Forum, so thereโs no need to feel nervous about walking into a big room of people. Our staff will be on hand to help with introductions and grease those social wheels (do come and say โhelloโ!).
Have a think about what you want to achieve: Whoโs in the room? Is there anyone you met earlier in the day that youโd like to follow up with? Whether youโre a supplier or a buyer, youโve come to the Employee Benefits & Rewards Forum with some specific goals in mind – the networking periods are a chance to help solidify those new partnerships.
Be curious: The Employee Benefits & Rewards Forum seminars are a great place for developing your industry knowledge and learning new skills. And they always create points of discussion. So why not see what everyone else thought of the talks, or swap some ideas on the latest technological developments and trends in the industry? And if youโre new to the industry, there will be seasoned veterans ready and willing to impart their wisdom!
Donโt forget your business cards! You didnโt think we could get through a whole article about networking without mentioning business cards, did you? Itโs an old chestnut, but one worth re-roasting. This author has forgotten his cards more times than he cares to remember โ it happens. Always keep a few spread between your wallet/purse, pockets and bag – then youโll be able to produce one when you most need it. But donโt blanket bomb – just because you have 100 cards to give out, it doesnโt mean you have to!
Always follow up: Youโve given your cards out, but hopefully youโve picked some up too! So make sure that when you get back to the office you log into LinkedIn or fire off some emails to your new contacts while everythingโs still fresh in the mind.
Follow the above tips and you wonโt go far wrong. Just donโt spend too long in the bar!
For more information on the Employee Benefits & Rewards Forum, call Jake Hoy on
01992 374093 or email j.hoy@forumevents.co.uk.
Or visit www.employeebenefitsforum.co.uk