Congratulations on securing a speaking opportunity! As you prepare to take the stage and share your expertise with your audience, it’s crucial to recognise that your role as a speaker extends beyond delivering a compelling presentation.  

Networking plays a vital role in maximising the impact of your speaker profile, helping you connect with fellow professionals, potential collaborators, and industry influencers. In this blog post, we’ll explore essential networking tips to help you make the most of your speaking engagement and expand your professional network. 

• Prepare elevator pitches: 

Before the event, craft concise and engaging elevator pitches that highlight your expertise, achievements, and areas of interest. These pitches will serve as valuable conversation starters when interacting with fellow attendees, sponsors, or organisers. Be prepared to adapt your pitches based on the context and interests of the individuals you’re engaging with. 

• Attend pre-event socials: 

Take advantage of pre-event mixers, receptions, or socials to network with fellow speakers, organisers, and attendees in a relaxed setting. These informal gatherings provide excellent opportunities to initiate conversations, exchange contact information, and build rapport before the main event kicks off. 

• Engage actively during breaks: 

Make the most of networking opportunities during breaks between sessions. Approach fellow attendees with a friendly demeanor, ask open-ended questions, and actively listen to their responses. Demonstrating genuine interest in others fosters meaningful connections and lays the groundwork for future interactions. 

• Utilise social media: 

Leverage social media platforms such as LinkedIn, X, or event-specific hashtags to expand your reach and connect with attendees before, during, and after the event. Share insights, updates, and behind-the-scenes moments from your speaking experience to spark conversations and engage with your audience online. 

• Exchange business cards: 

Bring along a stack of business cards featuring your contact information, social media profiles, and a brief description of your expertise. Exchange business cards with individuals you meet during the event, and jot down relevant notes on the back to help you remember key details about each connection. 

• Follow up promptly: 

After the event concludes, follow up promptly with the individuals you connected with to express gratitude for their time and to continue the conversation. Send personalised follow-up emails referencing specific discussions or shared interests to demonstrate your genuine interest in maintaining the connection. 

• Seek mutual benefits: 

Approach networking as a two-way street by seeking opportunities to offer value to your connections. Whether it’s sharing resources, making introductions, or providing insights based on your expertise, look for ways to contribute positively to the professional journeys of your contacts. 

• Participate in post-event activities: 

Keep the momentum going by participating in post-event activities such as webinars, panel discussions, or networking events organised by the event hosts or industry associations. These activities provide additional opportunities to reconnect with fellow attendees and deepen your relationships within the professional community. 

• Join industry groups or associations: 

Consider joining industry-specific groups or associations related to your speaking topics to expand your network further and stay connected with like-minded professionals beyond the event. Engage actively in group discussions, share valuable insights, and seek opportunities for collaboration. 

• Evaluate and refine your approach: 

Reflect on your networking experiences after each event and identify areas for improvement or refinement. Whether it’s adjusting your elevator pitches, diversifying your networking tactics, or prioritising follow-up with specific contacts, continuous evaluation and refinement will help you optimise your networking efforts over time. 

In conclusion, networking is a valuable aspect of maximising your speaker profile and capitalising on speaking opportunities. By doing everything above, you can expand your professional network and enhance the impact of your speaking engagements. So, embrace networking as an integral part of your speaking journey, and watch as your connections flourish and opportunities roll in.