My old way of networking completely fell apart at a conference in Denver last month

I used to just collect business cards and follow up with a basic email, but this time, out of 50 cards, I only got 2 replies. It felt like a total waste of a trip. I realized my approach was from like 2015 and doesn't work now. So I started trying to connect on LinkedIn right there at the event and mention something specific we talked about. Has anyone else had to completely change how they network to get real results?

3 comments

3 Comments

grace9262mo agoMost Upvoted

Honestly that shift to connecting right at the event is so smart. Tbh the follow up email is basically dead unless you make that personal link first. You gotta treat the LinkedIn request like the new handshake, and adding that specific detail from your talk is what makes it stick. Ngl I started doing video messages through LinkedIn after meeting someone and it’s a game changer. Just a quick 30 second “hey great chatting about X” makes you way more memorable than any email could.

stellarivera2mo ago

My buddy tried that video message thing after a conference and the guy actually called him back to talk more. Said it felt way more real than just another email in the pile.

susan_henderson1mo agoMost Upvoted

Ever try a video message and realize you look like a deer in headlights? I did one and my own face scared me, but hey, at least they remembered me. Guess being a little awkward makes it feel more human anyway.