In the startup world, connections and introductions are everything. The bigger your network, the more access you’ll have to potential investors, clients, partners, customers, and mentors.
Big events, such as industry conferences, is a great place to meet these people and gain relevant insights. But where many people miss the mark is in not realising that networking isn’t just something you do during an event. In fact, it’s a long game where you have to be actively involved before, during, and after the event.
The checklist below contains important points that will help you up your networking game at your next event.
Pre-event
- Make a plan
Time is money, so before you start filling your calendar with meetings, it’s best to sit down and think about your networking goals. Identify the kind of people who could help you achieve them and focus on that.
- Reach out ahead of time
Have someone you’re hoping to meet and impress? Reach out to them early via email, Twitter or LinkedIn! Or if there’s a conference app, download it and shoot them a message introducing yourself, and perhaps set up a meeting over coffee.
During the event
- Show interest in them
It’s human nature to jump into a conversation spewing facts and figures about yourself. But the key to successful networking is to step back and show interest in the other person first. Ask about their background and work – this shows that you’re interested in more than just your own objectives. Remember, it’s not all about you.
- Exchange business cards
Even in this digital age, business cards are still the fastest and easiest way to introduce yourself and share your contact information. It gives people something physical to refer to, preventing your brand from being just a name that floats around.
- Take notes
You probably won’t remember the details of every conversation. While they’re still fresh in your head, make notes on each person’s business card about who they are and what you talked about. This will make following up with them much easier, and adds a nice personal touch.
Post-event
- Attend the after-parties
This is where you get the extra opportunity to connect and gain insights from people you didn’t have a chance to meet at the event. You’ll be surprised how these informal chats can often lead to new opportunities and potential collaborations.
- Follow-up
You’ve worked hard to meet great contacts, so make sure you keep them! Send a personal email, letting them know you enjoyed the meeting and remind them what you spoke about. You never know where your next referral or client may come from!
Connect with over 5,000 international tech fans
Sitting behind your screen and shooting out cold emails can only get you so far. If you attend the right networking events, it’ll be full of like-minded individuals whom you can work with or learn from in some way.
If you’re interested in networking with peers and influential leaders in the tech industry, then Tech in Asia Singapore 2017 is where you want to be on May 17 & 18. Founders, investors, media, entrepreneurs, corporates – over 5,000 people from different corners of the tech community will be here for two full days of mingling, sharing and learning. And it’s not just blind networking – there will be targeted opportunities for you to connect with stakeholders in the ecosystem (more details to come!).
Here’s the icing on the cake: tickets are going at a 30 percent discount now – hurry and grab them before the deal ends this Friday, 27 January 2359 (GMT +8).
Startups, are you looking for feedback on your product? Or looking for investors and partners? There is a good chance you’ll achieve that when you exhibit at Bootstrap Alley at Tech in Asia Singapore 2017.
If you have a working prototype and less than USD 1.5 million of external funds, register for a booth by 27 January and you can shave 30 percent off 
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