The world as we know it is at a standstill which means as Creative Professionals it’s our time to keep things moving by seeking alternative ways to survive. Before the pandemic, there would be several events that I would get invited to ranging from Media Launches of all sorts to Fashion Shows. One of the questions I get asked a lot is “How do I get Invited to Events” and “How do I Network at Events”. Today, we will be discussing the latter, however in the virtual sense, since it will be a while before major events are back to normal and we can interact with several people. If you are interested in learning How to Network at Virtual Events as a Creative Professional, keep reading!
How to Network at Virtual Events as a Creative Professional
A virtual event is an online event that involves people interacting in a virtual environment on the web, rather than meeting in a physical location. … “Virtual event” can also refer to aspects of an event that are brought to users through an online experience.
Register for the Event On Time
This is obviously the first step as unlike physical events, you have to register using a link in order to get in. I would also recommend as part of this you register on-time as soon as the link opens as most of these virtual events have a limit on the number of people who can be on at a specific time.
I would go one step further by emailing the host to let them know you’ve registered and if they can confirm your registration. A disadvantage of most things online is that there are glitches and technical errors, you want to ensure you are in (especially if you will be a speaker or guest) you don’t want to have people waiting and you end up looking like an unprofessional flake.
Publicize Your Attendance on Social Media
This is the second thing to do after registering: Be sure to let people know you will be attending this event. Blast it all over your Blog, Website, Social Media Accounts (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc).
By doing this, your audience will be tuning in to see and hear you and they in turn will invite their friends which will look great for you as this will allow the host to see that you have an influence and they will want to invite you to other events.
Engage in Conversation
Have you ever been to a Virtual Event where nobody talks? Awkard right? Most definitely! Ensure you are taking notes throughout each speaker’s presentation and ask relevant questions and make conversation in the message section. If you agree and support what a speaker is saying, write it for others to see in the message.
Remember, you register for virtual events because you want to learn something from someone, or you have something to teach other people. Either way, be sure that you are engaging to get the most out of it. Do not be that person who asks a question or has something to say after each point, pace your self and wait until it’s the question and answer segment.
Ask for Email addresses and Other Contact Info
Most of the virtual events I’ve been to, the speakers have given their contact info as well as those tuning in if asked. The only way you can get this is by asking. Think of Physical events and how people would distribute their business cards to people they met so they can keep in touch. This is the same thing!
“Ask and you shall receive”
Follow up with Your New Connections
Stay in front of your expanded network while the event is still fresh in everyone’s mind. In the first three days after a virtual event, be sure to:
- Email your event contacts with thank-yous or requests for further conversation
- Search social media platforms for mention of the event or hashtags; connect to individuals talking about the event
- Cross-reference your new connections on LinkedIn, sending link requests with reference to the event
- Double (and triple) check your notes from the event to make sure you set up and attend any post-event meetings/calls you set up during the event
Also, be sure to check your email regularly for any similar requests from people trying to connect to you, paying special attention to your spam folder so you don’t miss anything.
I hope these tips will help you to get the most out of attending Virtual Events and How to Successfully Network.
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#How to Network at Virtual Events as a Creative Professional
#How to Network at Virtual Events as a Creative Professional
#How to Network at Virtual Events as a Creative Professional
#How to Network at Virtual Events as a Creative Professional
#How to Network at Virtual Events as a Creative Professional
1 Comment
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