Connect and grow: relationship strategies for corporate events

By Michel Wohlmuth

In the business world, building and maintaining a strong network of relationships has become a necessity. As Judy Robinett puts it:

“To achieve any goal, you need other people to help you achieve it.”

Attending a corporate event just to get information is like going to Las Vegas and just gambling in the casino, ignoring the wide variety of shows, tours and dining experiences it offers. Events are ideal spaces to meet people, strengthen relationships and ultimately boost your business.

The importance of planning your relationships

Judy Robinett emphasizes that strategic relationship planning must be a priority. It is critical to combine specific skills and talents to effectively create and manage connections. Since events involve a considerable investment of time and money, it is vital to ask yourself:

– Am I really taking advantage of every opportunity to meet new people?

– Can I get a positive return on my networking investment?

– Is it possible to expand my contacts and achieve more success by attending events?

The answer to all these questions is a resounding “yes”. With a strategic approach, anyone can benefit from developing relationship skills, implementing actions that, although they may seem obvious, we sometimes overlook.

Be authentic: dress and act according to your personality.

To interact with other people, the most important thing is to be yourself. Although many advise you to dress very elegantly, the essential thing is to feel comfortable and reflect your style, always respecting the dress code of the event. If your tie is suffocating you, loosen it up a bit; if heels prevent you from walking, opt for low shoes. The key is to project confidence without losing your essence.

Breaks the ice naturally

Starting a conversation with strangers can be difficult or embarrassing, but you don’t have to start by talking about your job. Share something about your tastes, hobbies or topics of interest. Remember that we are not just our professional role, and that personal side can help you connect with others. Later, you can delve into business topics.

The power of your “elevator message”.

At some point, you will need to explain who you are, what you do and what you offer. An “elevator pitch” should be short and concise (less than 30 seconds), just enough to grab your listener’s attention and leave them wanting to know more.

Research before attending

Review event programs to identify the people you would like to talk to or those who are part of audiences with similar interests to yours. Being clear about who you want to talk to allows you to optimize your time and focus on relevant connections.

Conversation topics that flow

To relate more effectively, have three or four ideas ready that you can talk about naturally:

– Technological innovations

– Interesting blogs or articles

– Restaurant recommendations

– Upcoming events

Avoid getting into politics or religion, as they may generate unnecessary controversy.

Reach out to those who seem unattainable

It is easy to think that speakers, high-ranking executives or famous personalities are impossible to reach. However, the event is precisely the right place to do so. Remember that they are also people and they are there to share experiences and dialogue.

Strategic relationship planning starts when you decide to create them. Take advantage of your next event to meet those who can enrich your business and your professional growth. With these tips, enhancing relationships will cease to be a pending task and will become a natural and rewarding process.