Connect and grow: relationship strategies at corporate events

By Michel Wohlmuth

In the business world, build and maintain a strong network of relationships has become a necessity. As Judy Robinett says:

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

Attending a corporate event solely to gather information is like going to Las Vegas and limiting yourself to gambling in the casino, ignoring the wide variety of shows, excursions, and dining experiences on offer. Events are ideal spaces for 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 essential to combine specific skills and talents to effectively create and manage connections. Since events involve a considerable investment of time and money, it's 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 greater success by attending events?

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

Be authentic: dress and act according to your personality

When interacting with others, the most important thing is to be yourself. Although many advise dressing very elegantly, the most important thing is to feel comfortable and reflect your style, while always respecting the event's dress code. If your tie is too tight, loosen it a bit; if heels are getting in the way, opt for flats. The key is to project confidence without losing your sense of style.

Break 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'll be able to delve deeper into business topics.

The power of your “elevator message”

At some point, you'll need to explain who you are, what you do, and what you offer. “elevator message” It should be short and concise (less than 30 seconds), enough to capture your interlocutor's attention and leave them wanting to know more.

Do your research before attending

Review event programs to identify people you'd like to talk to or those who are part of audiences with similar interests. 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 communicate more effectively, have three or four ideas ready that you can talk about naturally:

• Technological news

• Interesting blogs or articles

• Restaurant recommendations

• Next events

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

Reach out to those who seem unattainable

It's 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 people too and they are there to share experiences and dialogue.

Strategic relationship planning begins when you decide to create them. Take advantage of your next event to meet those who can enrich your business and professional growth. With these tips, enhance relationships It will no longer be a pending task and will become a natural and rewarding process.