Tips for business owners attending virtual networking events

In April, the Idaho Department of Labor reported a historic high for the state’s unemployment rate, rising to 11.6%. Given the rise in unemployment in Idaho alone, business leaders began searching for new ways to job-hunt. In an era where in-person networking events, industry mixers, and conferences are not possible, building relationships virtually is key.

From struggling businesses to those who found themselves unemployed amid the pandemic, virtual networking events can be essential in forming a connection that can take your career to the next level or find the perfect person to assist your company through this hard time. When attending a virtual networking event, some wonder how they can establish a valuable connection without the face-to-face interaction that we are used to in the business world. To that, I answer with a few tips that can alleviate those concerns and prepare attendees for the event:

What do you want to get out of the event?

It is important to establish what you want to get out of the event before attending. A majority of participants are looking to build resourceful connections that will benefit their business. To know exactly what you would like to get from the meeting, take some time to establish the areas in your business that could be improved upon. Come prepared with questions that are specific to your business and ready to listen so if the opportunity comes up, you can help others.

I have found that many online networking meetings resemble webinars — there were only a few people that had the opportunity to speak and not much networking went on during or after the event.

Given the lack of networking opportunities online, Scott Talley, founder of Network In Action, thought that as a franchise we could improve these online events and the standard of virtual meetings to make them worthwhile for attendees. With some examination, several NIA franchise owners found the power of Zoom breakout rooms. Talley quickly pivoted to incorporating breakout rooms during Zoom meetings, which strengthened the impact of the networking events.

Now, most Network In Action virtual meetings have breakout rooms, where participants are split into smaller groups of three or four attendees to have more in-depth conversations. This is an opportunity for business leaders to bring up the questions they have prepared and provide input on other questions they might have. It is important to be engaged during these breakout rooms, write comments in the chat box during a presentation, write a question to bring up afterward and vote in the polls. All of these tips can improve your online networking experience and make the meeting more interactive between attendees.

Another key to getting the most out of an online meeting is to have your camera turned on if possible. This shows that you are committed to building a valuable connection and are engaged during the meeting. To be a great networking partner, show that you are present and listening to fellow members for opportunities to help.

Continue to connect after the event

One thing I stress at in-person or online networking meetings is that the event is designed to help attendees connect with other high-caliber business professionals and to see how everyone can help one another grow their business. But, the key to getting the most from your networking is to set up additional conversations with attendees after the meeting. Some of the best networking happens after the meeting with one-on-one conversations. These personal meetings can take a relationship to the next level, both personally and professionally.

I also recommend connecting the meeting’s attendees on LinkedIn. Not everyone is on LinkedIn, but it is another way to keep in touch with other likeminded business owners and professionals.

Apply what you learned

To make the event worth your while, it is important to pay attention to the topics and tips that can make an impact on your business. Take notes throughout of other people’s ideas and things you might like to bring up during or after the meeting. Taking notes is crucial and it is also beneficial to reflect on what you’ve written a few days past the event. Many times, it will jog your memory on a great idea to help your business or something that can help others you know — this I have learned from experience.

Networking is a powerful tool to help build your business, create lifetime friendships and to strengthen your network of connections. There is nothing I enjoy more than helping pass a referral to a client/friend that could help their business grow!

Scott Marker is the group leader and owner of a Network In Action franchise in the Treasure Valley. The business combines technology and face-to-face networking for its members to build meaningful connections, pass referrals and meet only once a month. Marker is a successful speaker and author of “Let’s Get It On! ‘Real’istic Strategies for Winning the Sales Game.” In the process of writing his second book on B2B Sales, Marker continues to assist business leaders in the Idaho region to expand their network. To learn more about Scott Marker call 208-546-8558 or Network In Action visit: https://www.networkinaction.com