Networking is not handing out your card and getting a card in return, it is about creating relationships that can help you get to the next level or get new ideas. Islamabad is the heart of Pakistan’s professional and business people, and this city hosts major sessions, workshops and conferences with prime networking opportunities. Regardless of whether your events are motivational, business seminars, IT conferences, or any other type of meeting, you have to optimize your presence to mingle with the right fighters.

Below is a fun and helpful tip on networking in major sessions within Islamabad – besides coming out with more knowledge!

1. Do Your Homework

First, you need to prepare a little bit – before any session. Pre-search the event, speakers and high-profile people planning to attend so that you know what to expect from the event regarding the information you will be getting. List the target clients, companies or people you want to reach and publish them and prepare the questions or topics they wish to be discussed. It will provide you with a set strategy for future networking and make you feel more comfortable, armed and prepared at the time.

Fun Tip: Develop a one-page summary of important facts about the important people or business you wish to encounter. This way, you will be able to recall certain talking points and be in a position to be seen as a well-preparing individual.

2. Perfect Your Elevator Pitch

Your elevator pitch summarizes who you are, your endeavor, and what you want to accomplish. Whether you seek a job or new customers, a good pitch will help establish open conversation and make you memorable. Make it brief, avoid complex technical terms, and make it relevant to the occasion or group of people in question.

Fun Tip: Rehearse what you plan to say to your target market several times by directly looking at the mirror or getting a friend to listen. An extra dash of information regarding facts or trivia could be added, making the introduction more interesting!

3. There are a few simple rules, so be on time and stay as long as possible.

If you consider yourself a ‘people person’ who wants to get the most networking done – try to arrive early and leave late. Some of the best networking is done during the time before a session and after a session has been conducted. It is also less competitive since few people can attract so much attention. It’s also a perfect occasion to greet the speakers, other facilitators, and other participants before going deeper into the discussion.

Fun Tip: You should think of arriving early as you are getting an early start at networking this is before the main event starts.

Networking is not handing out your card and getting it in return; it is 4. Be Genuinely Interested

While there are many effective strategies to implement networking, one of the most successful tactics is sincere interest. I have learnt that people can always know whether you are interested in what they say or just pretend. Subsequently, it is recommended to ask questions to which one does not know the answer, and in addition, to listen carefully and to express appreciation of one’s counterparts’ opinions. Communicating is much better than advertising; establishing genuine relationships will give much better impressions than bothering people with your promotion.

Fun Tip: Be the one to start a discussion with questions that nobody else is likely to come up with. Instead of the standard greeting, which is “What do you do?” one can ask, “So far, what has been the best experience of the week?” or “What prompted you to attend this session?”

4. Follow Up

Networking doesn’t come to a stop once a session has ended. The real magic almost always occurs after a call. After introducing yourself to someone, you should follow it up through email or invite him on LinkedIn. Include a topic you both had discussed to make your message more personal, ask about how they are doing and tell them that you would like to remain friends. This is crucial for creating a pleasant sound, wherein the brief encounter becomes a lasting professional connection.

Fun Tip: If you had an exciting conversation in depth, it is the right thing to pen a thank you note with a small gift such as a book suggestion or an ensuing article. When given to someone, it proves that one is considerate and interested in the relationship.

5. Utilize Social Media

Major sessions can be effectively utilized in networking through social media. Hashtag to the event on platforms such as Twitter or Instagram where one can contribute to the conversation, share feedback, etc, and in the process, even interact with other attendees in real-time. The LinkedIn site is another useful platform that may be utilized to stay in touch with other professionals and share one’s experience of attending the session.

Fun Tip: Get the significant points discussed in the event then tweet on the event's highlights or even take a story on Instagram. It is also an excellent way to be involved with others attending or to show the extent of one’s participation.

6. Be Approachable

Nonverbal communication is essential for networking, so beware of your gestures. It is recommended that one stands straight hence, opens their arms wide, smiles, and makes eye contact with other persons. Do not cross your arms or position yourself at the back of the classroom. Such a posture will give an impression of an unwelcoming body. Rather, stand where people engage most, such as near the bar or any table with food and beverages or where people are most likely to interact, including offices.

Fun Tip: Joy is the best beauty when worn as a smile! It makes them come to you and is a perfect way of creating an excellent first impression when you are a newcomer.

7.  There are a few simple rules, so be on time and stay as long as possible.

If you consider yourself a ‘people person’ who wants to get the most networking done – try to arrive early and leave late. Some of the best networking is done during the time before a session and after a session has been conducted. It is also less competitive since few people can attract so much attention. It’s also a perfect occasion to greet the speakers, other facilitators, and other participants before going deeper into the discussion.

Fun Tip: You should think of arriving early as you are getting an early start at networking this is before the main event starts.

Conclusion

Business meetings in major sessions in Islamabad are one of the most significant ways to interact with other professionals, get new perspectives and get acquainted. Following the ideas described below, you can transform a simple event into a prosperous career development opportunity. Always be prepared and follow up to maximize these opportunities, which include research, preparing for pitching sessions, early arrival and follow-up.

Want to take your team or friends for a professional or motivational session in Islamabad? Bookkaru has you covered! Don’t wait for your next occasion to go out and network yourself, use Bookkaru and start your session.