Attending major Salesforce events like Salesforce World Tour presents a unique opportunity to learn from industry leaders, network with peers, and discover the latest innovations in cloud technology. To truly benefit from these events, it’s essential to maximize your presence through effective preparation, engagement, and follow-up. Here are some tips for networking at major Salesforce events and strategies for making the most of your experience.
Before we dive into the article my top 5 tips:
- Download the Salesforce Event app to plan your day
- Update your LinkedIn pre event and have the app on your phone for quick connecting
- Wear comfortable shoes, you will do a lot of walking and standing
- Be flexible, sometimes conversations take longer or sessions are full
- Most of all, have fun!
Preparation: Setting the Stage for Success
- Define Your Objectives
Before attending a Salesforce event, clearly define your objectives. What do you hope to achieve? Are you looking to learn about new products, connect with potential clients, or enhance your professional network? Having specific goals will help you focus your efforts and make the most of your time. Plan your day accordingly! - Research the Agenda
Familiarize yourself with the event agenda in advance. Identify sessions, workshops, and keynotes that align with your objectives. Highlight must-attend sessions and create a personalized schedule to ensure you don’t miss important presentations. The Salesforce Events app is a handy tool to use. Login with the same credentials you booked your event ticket with. - Plan Your Networking Strategy
Networking is a key component of Salesforce events. Identify key individuals and organizations you want to connect with. Use social media and professional networks like LinkedIn to research attendees and speakers. If possible, reach out to them before the event to express your interest in meeting. Many people announce ahead of time if they attend, so connect early if you want to meet them. - Prepare Your Pitch
Have a concise and compelling introduction ready. Be prepared to explain who you are, what you do, and what you’re looking to achieve at the event. This will help you make a strong first impression when meeting new contacts. Be prepared to give the same pitch over and over. To get the most out of your chats, prepare a list of questions you want to ask. For example; what does this person do, career path, tips that can help you in your career etc. - Pack Smart
Bring plenty of business cards (if you have them) and a notebook for jotting down key insights. Ensure you have your mobile devices charged and ready for networking and note-taking. Only bring your laptop if you plan to have long meetings or attend hands on sessions. Indoors in the big halls can be fresh, so bring a light jacket or scarf just in case.
Engagement: Making Connections and Building Relationships
- Attend Key Sessions and Workshops
Participate actively in sessions and workshops that align with your interests. Engage with speakers during Q&A sessions and connect with other attendees who share similar professional interests. Use the time in the queue to talk with people around you, you never know who has an interesting story to tell! - Utilize Social Media
Use social media platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn to engage with the event in real-time. Follow the event hashtag, share your thoughts, and connect with other attendees online. This can help you expand your network beyond the confines of the event venue. - Be Approachable and Open
Maintain an approachable demeanor and be open to meeting new people. Smile, make eye contact, and be genuinely interested in others. Effective networking is about building mutually beneficial relationships, so focus on listening and learning as much as you share about yourself. - Leverage the Expo Hall
The Expo Hall is a hub of activity at Salesforce events. Visit vendor booths to learn about the latest products and services, and engage with company representatives. This can provide valuable insights and open doors to potential collaborations or business opportunities.
Follow-Up: Cementing Your New Connections
- Organize Your Contacts
After the event, organize the contacts you made. Use a contact management system or a simple spreadsheet to track key details, such as names, titles, companies, and notes from your conversations. This will help you remember who you met and the context of your interactions. I would advice, if you meet a lot of people, to take notes during the day. Either use a notebook or an app on your phone, quickly take down key topics / items you discussed and any follow up if needed. - Send Personalized Follow-Ups
Reach out to new contacts within a few days of the event. Send personalized follow-up emails or LinkedIn messages to express your appreciation for their time and to reiterate key points from your conversation. Mention specific details to show that you were engaged and attentive. - Reflect and Evaluate
Finally, take some time to reflect on your experience. What worked well, and what could be improved? Evaluate the effectiveness of your preparation, engagement, and follow-up strategies. Use these insights to refine your approach for future events.
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