Presentation Skills for Networking Events

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

BAAZIGAR Your Way Through Networking! If you know me, you know I’m a big introvert. Starting conversations and making small talk? Let’s just say it feels as comfortable as wearing stilettos on a hiking trail! Yet, in our line of work, being shy isn’t an option—networking is crucial. Slowly but surely, I’m finding my way in this social maze, and I’d love to share some tips that have helped me along the journey: 🔶 Leverage Your Strengths: Introverts excel at listening and engaging in meaningful conversations. Use these skills to your advantage. Instead of feeling pressured to speak, focus on asking insightful questions. Example: At an event, you might ask, “What inspired you to pursue a career in [industry]? 🔶 Set Achievable Goals: Before attending an event, set a realistic goal. It could be connecting with three new people or exchanging contact information with two professionals. Tip: Write down your goals to keep yourself accountable! 🔶 Prepare Your Elevator Pitch: Craft a brief introduction that highlights who you are and what you do. Make it compelling. Example: “Hi, I’m [Your Name], a [Your Profession] passionate about [specific interest]. I enjoy connecting with others in [industry/field].” 🔶 After meeting someone, send a follow-up message thanking them for their time: You could say,“It was great meeting you at [Event]! I enjoyed our conversation about [specific topic]. Let’s stay in touch.” 🔶 Quality Over Quantity: Smaller, more intimate events are often a better fit for us introverts. 🔶 Be kind to Yourself: It's okay to feel a bit nervous. Take breaks, breathe, and focus on building real connections, not just collecting business cards. What are your best introvert networking tips? Follow Aaina Chopra✨for more! #networking #events #branding #marketing #socialmedia #career

How differently can you interact with the executives at the year-end party? I remember our annual fundraising events, usually held at a hotel with lots of parking and good food. The thought of approaching high-level leaders and guests invited was often intimidating at the beginning. However, the relaxed environment was too inviting to let go of the once-a-year opportunity. Thankfully, I was involved in the preparation of the guest list. This helped me prepare intentionally for conversations with key executives or guests. One of the interesting networking books that has been beneficial to me is Keith Ferrazzi's 'Never Eat Alone'. PS: If you want to be intentional about your networking at events as a leader, this book is a must-read and belongs to your home library for regular reference. Ferrazzi emphasizes the importance of building genuine relationships. Here are some tips from his book. 1. Be prepared with conversation starters. Before the event, think of some engaging questions or topics to discuss. Research the executives you may meet, focusing on their recent achievements or initiatives within the company. For example, if you know they led a successful project, you could ask, “What inspired your approach to that project?” This shows you’re invested in their work and opens the door for a deeper conversation. 2. Use the give-first approach. Ferrazzi advocates for a mindset of giving before expecting anything in return. Look for ways to provide value to the executives you meet. This could be as simple as sharing an interesting article related to their work or offering insights on industry trends. When you focus on how you can help others, you create an atmosphere of reciprocity and goodwill. 3. Practice Active Listening. Listening is a vital component of effective networking. Show genuine interest in what the executive has to say by asking follow-up questions and engaging with their responses. This not only fosters a deeper connection but also demonstrates your respect for their time and perspective. 4. Be Mindful of Body Language. Nonverbal communication plays a significant role in how we are perceived. Maintain eye contact, smile, and use open body language to convey your interest and enthusiasm. Your demeanor can help create a welcoming environment that encourages more profound interactions. 5. Follow Up with Purpose. After the event, don’t forget to follow up with the executives you connected with. Send a personalized message expressing your appreciation for the conversation. Mention something specific you discussed. This will help reinforce the connection while also showing that you valued the engagement. According to Ferrazzi, 'The currency of real networking is not greed but generosity'. Remember: Prepare. Prepare. Prepare. What else would you add? Share in the comments below. #leaders #leadership #management #careers #womeninleadership #womenwholead