How to network effectively at your next conference

The last two years may have put a hiatus on the majority of networking events and conferences, so no one would blame you for having cold feet about getting back into the swing of in-person events. Luckily at Flourish Media we are conference aficionados and never turn down an opportunity to mix and mingle. 

Need a refresher to make the most of your next networking event or conference? Here are a few tips: 

Do your homework before you go. Be sure to look up the conference agenda and the speakers’ bios. Many conferences have Facebook groups or hashtags that make it easy to find and connect with speakers and attendees before the event begins. Have a clear idea of what kind of connections you want to make and the type of industry you want to make inroads in. 

Use social media as your business card. Make sure your profiles are updated with clear information about what you do and who you serve. Update your website and be sure your digital real estate is easy to find. Because keeping track of hundreds of business cards is not ideal, swap social media profiles when networking so you can connect instantly. 

Create value for others. Sometimes it can be challenging to initiate conversations, but if you have a purpose it can open that door more easily. Are you an amazing notetaker? Offer to share a Google Document of notes from a speaker session. Or find ways to volunteer and help. If you can create an opportunity to converse by creating value, you will stand out. 

Dress to reflect your brand. What you wear and how you present yourself are important ways to reflect your brand. If you have a colorful brand, consider wearing similar colors. You only get one chance to make a good impression on someone. 

Follow up. If you meet someone you vibe with, be sure to schedule a follow up before the conference ends. Whether that’s a Zoom call or a coffee date the week after, don’t let the opportunity pass you by. 

One of our goals in hosting the annual Flourish Media Conference is to connect our tribe of exceptionally educated ambitious women leaders. We want to keep you up to date on resources and share access to funding so that you can build thriving multimillion dollar businesses. Women empowerment is a trend. For many it’s a money making phrase that doesn't always have a lot of weight or meaning behind it. 

The Flourish Media Conference speakers put their money where their mouth is. That’s because every single speaker on stage at the Flourish Media Conference donates to the Flourish Media Conference grant that supports small business owners. 

In 2022 our speakers awarded $1,000 to Kayla’s Italian Ice, Phlare Lashes and Dipped in Color. These three businesses are owned and operated by women just like you. To us the amount of the grant isn’t as important as the donor behind it. Behind the Leaf is committed to bringing valuable information to our tribe from people who share our vibe, commitment and energy. We found that experts willing to pour into others are exactly what fuels our community’s growth. 

The $1,000 Flourish Media Business Grant is meant to validate women like us who are often overlooked and systematically excluded from funding opportunities. Winning this Grant allows Behind the Leaf to amplify your message through exposure, photography and introductions that are life changing.  

Looking for a support squad to create your million dollar busisnesss? If you or someone you know or someone you know is looking for an environment that helps their business grow, consider joining the waitlist for Flourish Media’s Mastermind called Made for Millions.