Whether you’re an introvert or extrovert, we’re all a bit out of practice when it comes to networking in person. Maybe you’ve always felt awkward at in-person networking events and uncomfortable making new connections. Or maybe you’re the extrovert who attended every activity and was the last one to leave - but you never felt like you met the right people.
During this session, first and second-time Influence participants will get tips to help them navigate those vibrant, chaotic hallways and receptions when they don’t know many (or any) other participants. You’ll learn strategies to leverage breakout sessions to meet like-minded colleagues. Plus, a review of all the ways you can connect with NSA members before, during, and after the event (e.g., NSA Mic Swap on July 9).
If it’s your 23rd time attending (or even just your third time), then consider yourself a co-host and attend this session to learn specific ways to welcome new members. Your warm greeting and friendly smile may be what makes the overwhelm of being at Influence for the first or second time easier to bear.
Our association is strong because of our members. If a new member attends Influence and doesn’t “find their people,” they are much less likely to attend a second time. If they give Influence another try and still find themselves lunching alone, we may lose them for good. If we welcome them and help them find great connections… Who knows? They could be a future chapter president.
Takeaways:
- Learn the best opening line to start a conversation
- Identify how to take advantage of small networking opportunities at the conference
- Adapt your body language to increase approachability and ease of navigation in the room
- Apply graceful exit strategies that continue to build the relationship
- Strategies to follow through with your networking intentions
About Our Speaker
Robbie Samuels, host of NSA's Mic Swap, is an event design consultant and executive Zoom producer recognized as a networking expert by NPR, PCMA, Harvard Business Review, Forbes, Lifehacker, and Inc.
As a business growth strategy consultant, he coaches business authors to build launch teams that lead to referrals, build their pipeline, and get 50+ Amazon reviews. He also designs and emcees virtual book launch parties that lead prospects to an offer.
He is the award-winning author of three books that have collectively received over 650 Amazon reviews and reached #1 Best Seller status in 20 paid categories in the U.S., U.K, Canada and Australia: "Break Of Boredom: Low Tech Solutions for Highly Engaging Zoom Events", "Small List, Big Results: Launch a Successful Offer No Matter the Size of Your Email List", and "Croissants vs. Bagels: Strategic, Effective, and Inclusive Networking at Conferences".
He is a professional speaker TedX speaker, HBR contributor, host of On the Schmooze podcast and "NoMoreBadZoom Virtual Happy Hours.
Robbie is the openly transgender owner of Robbie Samuels LLC, a certified LGBT Business Enterprise.