Networking continues to be an effective way for people to make essential contacts and grow their business. With the recent and future networking trends incorporating more and more technological advancements, the process is becoming more focused and more rewarding than ever before.
To take advantage of this networking evolution, discerning networkers will need to keep their finger on the pulse of the latest networking trends, so here are a few of the hottest trends which will continue to grow in popularity throughout the remainder of 2018.
Scheduling Apps
Heading to an industry summit without a strategy can lead to a lot of wasted time and some missed opportunities, so using one of the best scheduling apps on the market is the best way to maximise your time while networking. You need to know who you want to meet and what you want to achieve at an event, so use an app like DigiPulse to schedule meetings with those people days or even weeks ahead of the event.
The current trend is use multiple apps, so use a scheduler like that mentioned above along with the Tinder-style GripApp, which can help you schedule meetings with suitable people on the fly.
Target Research
To take full advantage of networking in 2018, you should do your research before rolling up to the event, so you know exactly who you want to talk to. In the past, networking also had the potential to be something of an awkward affair, forcing you to strike up conversations with random people you didn’t know while essentially trying to get them do you a favour. You might even invest valuable time building up a rapport with someone only to discover they can’t actually help in the way you ideally want.
Using business-focused social media such as LinkedIn’s Sales Navigator can help you identify key contacts in your field, so you know exactly who you want to invest your time with. To maximise your time with them, use a social listening tool such as Brandwatch to get an understanding of a company’s recent press statements and social media activity before you meet their representative.
Event Hosting
There is no need to hang around waiting for one of the big industry summits as it is easier than ever to host your own networking event. It doesn’t have to be a huge affair, but if you can interest enough parties to attend, then you can create your own hub of creative activity wherever you want, especially with the amount of shared office spaces and conference rooms available for hire these days.
What is crucial about hosting your own networking event is keeping everyone engaged in the networking process. You want them entertained and this can happen in a variety of ways such as with activities or shared food. Wearable gamification technology (like Klik) can also help people connect and enjoy exploring the possibility of working together or sharing ideas.
If your business can benefit from serviced offices or professional meeting rooms for conferences that are compatible with the very latest smart technology, contact Carrwood Park via the website’s enquiry form or call our friendly team on 0113 385 4480