When should you network?
What time of day is best for networking? With everyone talking about networking at Confex, i thought I'd jump on the bandwagon
Mastering the art of networking: When is the best time to connect at conferences?
If there’s one thread that binds the experiences of professionals attending conferences, it's probably the adrenaline rush that comes with networking. Yep, that strategic mingling, the exchange of business cards virtual or physical, and those enriching conversations can lead to career leaps and epic collaborations.
But here's something that might surprise you: the time of day you choose to network can significantly impact the outcome. As the sun rises and sets, different parts of the day offer unique landscapes for forging professional relationships.
In this little exploration of my mind, we break down the day into networking nuggets to help you decide when and where to focus your networking energies. From first light to the dead of night, we’ll uncover the associated advantages and tips to help you make the most of your interactions at your next big event.
The early bird catches the connection
Benefits of morning networking
Early in the day, the atmosphere is charged with potential. Attendees are fresh, the air resonates with the possibilities of the day, and there's a vast untapped pool of prospects ripe for those initial conversations.
Morning networking can be less crowded, allowing for more genuine, focused interactions.
The early hour also appeals to executives who prefer to talk before their schedules are hijacked by meetings and responsibilities. A breakfast meeting could mean quality time with high-value contacts. Or, go for a walk, run, yoga sessions, or other wellness activities and network with like-minded individuals.
Top tips for making the most of morning networking
Get to know the keynote speakers and event organizers. They set the tone of the conference, so their introductions could open doors for you throughout the day.
Attend breakfast sessions as they tend to be less formal and more conducive for creating deeper connections.
If you’re not a morning person, try setting up meetings with other attendees at coffee shops near the conference venue. You can ease into networking in a more relaxed environment before diving into the chaos of the event.
See if your event or conference hosts a morning activity such as a run, breakfast or yoga session as these can be great opportunities for networking and getting to know people in a more casual setting.
Networking over lunch: A buffet of opportunities
Benefits of midday conversations
Lunchtime at a conference or event often means more than just a meal.
It's a break from the day's intensity and a valuable slot for networking. This midday interlude is an informal backdrop, fostering relaxed and open conversations.
Lunch meetings can feel less transactional and more about building rapport. Shared meals are powerful cultural cues, offering a common ground to connect on a personal level. Seize this time to solidify morning leads or approach new contacts over a plate of opportunity.
Could I add any more networking puns into this one? ;-)
Tips for a successful midday meetup
If you’ve just been introduced to someone suitable, suggest grabbing lunch together. It's a natural next step and offers a more relaxed atmosphere for getting to know each other.
Take advantage of the event’s food offerings; it’s an opportunity to strike up a conversation with someone you might not have otherwise met. Or, if the venue food is a bit bland...have a few local eateries in your back pocket to suggest.
Don't be afraid to approach someone sitting alone during lunch; they could be looking for someone to connect with too. But... some people do like a little peace and quiet, so don't oversell in these conversations - read the room!
The afternoon: A huddle on the homestretch
Benefits of afternoon networking
After the buzz and heightened energy of the morning, the afternoon is where conversations tend to get more in-depth. It's a time when participants have often collected their thoughts from the day's sessions, making for more purposeful discussions.
The afternoon is also prime for strategic follow-ups. Notes from the morning's activities can provide talking points, showing initiative, and reinforcing your recollection of earlier conversations. More relaxed than morning exchanges, these can lay the groundwork for potential collaborations.
Tips for a productive afternoon engagement
The afternoon is an excellent time for one-on-one meetings, as there tend to be fewer distractions compared to the morning or evening, as the event crowd as thinned, agendas are already full and the event is drawing to a close.
Use this time to solidify relationships with individuals you've met in the morning. Follow up on what you've discussed and share any valuable insights or resources you learned from the day.
Don't underestimate the power of spontaneous encounters; take breaks, walk around, and be open to conversations with new people in new places. Some of the most valuable connections can come from unexpected interactions.
The evening unwinds: Networking after dark
Benefits of evening interactions
Evening networking is where the day’s formalities give way to a more social setting. Cocktail hours, dinners, and after-parties present a less business-centric relationship-building environment. With a more relaxed atmosphere, attendees are often more approachable and willing to engage in non-work-related chatter.
Top tip - DO NOT PITCH AT THIS TIME.
Typically, evening networking events often also embody a social trust factor, with shared experiences fostering a deeper, more lasting connection. If you start pitching - the conversation will likely close quickly as it's everyone's time to relax. However a friendly conversation over drinks could lead to a boardroom discussion the next day, making the evening a potential stepping stone towards long-term partnerships.
Tips for a successful evening socializing
Use your morning networking successes to invite new contacts to join you for evening events and ask them to introduce you to someone new. It's a natural follow-up, and you can pick up where you left off during the day - making new connections
Don't be afraid to introduce yourself to new people and strike up conversations over drinks or dinner. Be genuine, listen actively, and seek common ground beyond work-related topics.
Keep the conversation light and enjoyable; it's a social event, not a business meeting. Save any pitches or serious discussions for another time - unless specifically invited to do so!
Look for alternatives to the normal booze fuelled networking sessions - not everyone likes to drink, so there maybe some great opportunities to connect over different activities.
Closing the day on a networking high
There is no 'Best Time' for event networking
After exploring the networkers' quadrants of the day, it's time to reveal the ultimate networking truth: there is no single best time of day to network. Each segment offers its own dynamic and caters to different networking styles.
The key to networking success lies in your versatility.
Be adaptable, be present at all crucial moments, and be prepared to pivot. Whether it's at dawn's light, during a midday meal, in the late afternoon, or under the evening stars, your ideal networking window is the one that you can weave into an effective strategy based on the day's flow.
Crafting your personal networking strategy
To maximise your networking potential, you must create a personalised networking strategy that utilises all available times and tactics.
This strategy should consider your personal preferences, your industry norms, and, importantly, the objective of each networking interaction. Create a list or a bullet point of what you hope to achieve from each interaction and how that ties into your overarching networking goals.
Be adaptable in your approach, but always be intentional. Remember to focus on building genuine relationships rather than just collecting contacts or making sales pitches. Networking is about forming connections that can lead to future opportunities and collaborations - so make sure you're laying a strong foundation for those potential partnerships.
As the saying goes, it's not what you know, but who you know.
Engaging speakers, enriching panels, and more
Bonus activities to supercharge your network
In the sea of buffet tables and breakout sessions, don't lose sight of the additional activities that can elevate your networking game.
Sharing your expertise as a speaker or panellist can position you as a thought leader and magnet for like-minded connections. Meanwhile, attending workshops or masterclasses can provide settings for more concentrated, skill-focused networking.
The power of persistence and follow-up
Staying connected beyond the conference
The post-conference blues don’t have to be a reality.
Stay connected beyond the event by promptly following up with new contacts.
A well-crafted follow-up email or a LinkedIn connection request with a personalised message can set the tone for how you want to cultivate the relationship.
Navigating the ebbs and flows of a conference's networking opportunities is an art. By understanding the nuances of how different people like to network, you can fine-tune your approach and transform casual connections into meaningful, strategic alliances.
Happy Networking.