How to Socially Thrive at Virtual Networking Events

Attending events, from a conference or a summit to a training session, can be nerve-wracking. Questions like who you are supposed to talk to and what you should say might flit through your mind. Fear not!

This useful little guide is inspired by the book ‘How to Win Friends and Influence People’ and brings together key reminders to enable you to successfully work with people and make the most of the events that you attend.

 

Engage Beyond Expectations
When we go to events (virtual or otherwise), there tends to be an expectation that we interact with certain individuals or attend talks that closely relate to the work that we do. For example, if you are in HR you may attend a Learning and Development virtual networking event.

It is important to consider attending sessions that you find interesting even if it doesn’t directly relate to the work you do. While it may seem counter-intuitive to attend a talk on marketing if you work in human resources, events are more likely to be memorable if you can learn something new.

Not only will this help you to get more out of the session but, when you are actively engaged in content, you become memorable participants who are more likely to have ideas and input remembered in the future.

This is great when considering professional development but, by engaging with content beyond our fields we can also gain insight into the workings of our business or company that we potentially did not have.

This can enhance how we interact with ideas and processes in our business because we perceive beyond our corner, seeing the ‘big picture’. Thus, placing us in a better position to influence any development or implement any changes.

Sincerity
When you are attending virtual events, it can be easy to get lost in the digital environment. After all, you aren’t ‘actually’ meeting these people so, if you present a slightly different version of yourself, who’s going to know? You may play up certain parts of your persona but resist others.

Similarly, you may exaggerate the truth or withhold opinions or ideas when you are at events or networking with others.

Ultimately, being true to yourself is important. Being real and authentic makes long-lasting impressions and means you don’t have to try and keep up a ‘fake’ version of yourself in the long term (should networking or conversation continue). Maintaining a persona over a prolonged period can increase negative emotions or exacerbate an experience with imposter syndrome.

People value honesty and want to talk to you; you are more than enough. Being true to yourself can increase your influence as you become known for your sincerity and may even become the ‘go to’ for help, advice and opinions.


Need complete knowledge about virtual events then visit us.