How to Make The Most of The Business Networking Show

Next week I’m going along to The Business Networking Show (www.thebusinessnetworkingshow.info). It’s the biggest networking show in the UK, and is an annual event, now in it’s 4th year. It brings together business networkers from all across the country to meet up, hear top class speakers, and spend time with a huge amount of exhibitors. I’ve been to every one so far and highly recommend it. For the sake of full disclosure, my company Appware have always built the show’s official App (iPhone and Android) too, which is obviously worth a download ;)

As some people seem to get a lot out of business shows, yet others feel they’re a waste of time; I thought I’d write a quick article on how I think you should approach TBNS, to get the best out of it.

Pre-Planning
Some people just tip up at an event and go with the flow. You probably want some flexibility, but pre-planning will really help you get more from it.

Firstly, use it as an opportunity to meet up and catch up with people you know (maybe just online) who live in other parts of the country. Pre-arrange some 10 minute meetings over coffee beforehand.

Secondly, have a plan for your day. If there are specific speakers you want to see, or seminars you want to attend. Find out beforehand when and where they are on, and put them in your diary with a reminder. You could of course do this quickly and easily using the TBNS App :)

Other Events and Socials
If you’re travelling any distance then can you tie any other meetings in with the event? I typically try and attend evening networking events the day before a show. Even if there’s not an official event, there are usually social events with other attendees the evening before, and the evening after the event. These are arguably more beneficial than the event itself sometimes!

Speakers
Is there a particular speaker that you’d love to see and meet. As well as using the reminders that I mentioned above, make sure you get to their talks early. I’d also engage with them on social media beforehand, and help them out with some live social media and photos etc when they are speaking.

If you’re desperate to speak to them, I’d advise not to hassle them before they go on stage, as they’ll be focused on preparing for that. If you’re thinking of only speaking to them to launch into a sales pitch, don’t, just don’t!!! They’ll get these approaches all day long and won’t be interested. If you want to be remembered, leave them with something physical and personalised, not just a business card. Then follow up with them on social media afterwards to try and build on this relationship.

Exhibitors
When you’ve taken the time to attend, don’t be scared to speak to the exhibitors, they’re not all trying to sell you something there and then. Interact with them as you never know where that chat may lead to.

The one big no no is to approach exhibitors and try and sell to them. They’ve made a significant investment to be there. Don’t waste your own time, and theirs by giving them a sales pitch. By all means have a chat, and start to make that connection, but the show is not the time or place for your pitch.

Follow Up Afterwards
This is one of the biggest opportunities that is often the least well implemented. So much so that I’ve previously written all about this. So rather than repeat myself, take a look at that article here.

So those are just some of my top tips, and I hope to see you there next week!

Thanks

Richard