Recently, Olga Bondareva, Founder of IBMA, and Ekaterina Altbregina, CMO at IBMA, led a workshop on event networking for a major system integrator.
They covered how to prepare, how to start conversations naturally, and how to follow up afterward. Attendees practiced real-life scenarios in small groups.
Practice matters. Even seasoned professionals can struggle with small talk and turning networking into business opportunities.
Here’s a simple three-step approach Olga and Ekaterina shared:
1️⃣ Before the event:
- Update your LinkedIn profile
- Check who’s attending and set meetings
- Prepare what you want to share (if relevant)
- Research your target audience and key trends
2️⃣ During the event:
- Start with an icebreaker → small talk → listen actively → exchange contacts → agree on follow-up
- Balance planned meetings with spontaneous chats
- Take breaks, recharge, and attend sessions
3️⃣ After the event:
- Follow up, stay helpful, and build relationships
- Offer your services only when the timing is right
Combining online and offline activities is the most effective approach. Don’t skip either.
They covered how to prepare, how to start conversations naturally, and how to follow up afterward. Attendees practiced real-life scenarios in small groups.
Practice matters. Even seasoned professionals can struggle with small talk and turning networking into business opportunities.
Here’s a simple three-step approach Olga and Ekaterina shared:
1️⃣ Before the event:
- Update your LinkedIn profile
- Check who’s attending and set meetings
- Prepare what you want to share (if relevant)
- Research your target audience and key trends
2️⃣ During the event:
- Start with an icebreaker → small talk → listen actively → exchange contacts → agree on follow-up
- Balance planned meetings with spontaneous chats
- Take breaks, recharge, and attend sessions
3️⃣ After the event:
- Follow up, stay helpful, and build relationships
- Offer your services only when the timing is right
Combining online and offline activities is the most effective approach. Don’t skip either.