5 ways to network during a webinar
As a result of Covid19 and social distancing measures, many if not all, networking events, seminars and conferences have moved online. To ensure you make the most of the many networking opportunities these events provide, follow these quick and easy techniques to connect with new people during the event and continue the conversation long after it is over.
We have all had to quickly learn new methods to manage online meetings, webinars and live events, but whilst many of us are missing face-to-face contact and the opportunities to network with delegates during an event and at the associated dinner and any other social activities, many others are making the most of the networking opportunities that come with this new technology.
Whilst nothing beats that moment when you make a connection with someone during a break, or begin an impromptu chat with the person sitting next to you, there are some quick and easy ways you can network with others and make these online events work for you.
This article summarises 5 methods that Event Central users tell us works for them, and we hope you find them useful during your next webinar.
Hashtags
Most event organisers will advertise their webinar or conference hashtag prior to an event - check the event website or social media sites. If you can’t find it there, post a message to your social media channels asking if anyone else who is attending the event knows what it is. Even if they do not know, this might enable you to engage in discussions with others who are attending or speaking at the event, and you will have informed your followers that you are going and they may choose to attend too. Tag the event organiser into your post, or email them directly, and take advantage of yet another opportunity to connect prior to the event.
Keep an eye on social media during an event. Search for key terms associated with the event - e.g. the theme, a speaker, the location - as not everyone will use a hashtag when posting about an event. In doing so you’ll find other delegates with whom you can connect with and people who you may not have met or chatted to at the event because you either wouldn't have thought you had anything in common with them, or had the opportunity to connect.
There’s a large body of evidence that suggests we like people who are similar to us - in age, ethnicity, looks, personality etc. This is neatly summarised in a 2008 study by Montoya, Horton, & Kirchner, entitled “Is actual similarity necessary for attraction? A meta-analysis of actual and perceived similarity” (in Journal of Social and Personal Relationships Volume: 25 issue: 6, pp: 889-922). In their research Montonya et al examine the complex ways in which what we have in common with others facilitates these relationships - often without us knowing it. They identify two ways we do this: actual similarity - actually having a lot in common, and perceived similarity - believing we have a lot in common with someone.
During a conference where you are meeting people in person, we use our senses to identify if people have actual or perceived similarities, and based on these we may connect with them or not. However, one of the drawbacks of this is that we may miss out on vital connections. So, using the insights from this theory, we can override our natural instincts to network with those who are like us, and network more widely and connect with people who may have similar business or research interests. You may even connect with people who are very different to you, and this could lead to new ideas or different ways of working.
If you are on a webinar take a look at the participant list and find out about them by doing a quick search on LinkedIn. There are a range of social, professional and business networking sites but LinkedIn remains the largest and most popular. Take a look at their profile, biography and experience and if you feel you may be able to help each other, connect with them. Remember, don’t simply send a standard “let’s connect” message - as these are often deleted or ignored - ensure they accept the invite to connect by personalising it, telling them you were in the same webinar or event, and begin a conversation.
Chat Forums
Depending on the rights that the host has given delegates, applications such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams and YouTube Live, will allow you to post messages and questions for those who are presenting and for other delegates to see. You can often do this in the chat or the Q&A area. These are great opportunities for you to say hello and introduce yourself, and to share your knowledge and questions during a presentation. In some cases, and only if it feels appropriate, you can share your email address or social media handles, so people can make direct contact with you after the event.
Meeting up off-line (or back online)
You may not have time to chat to a speaker or other delegate during the event, so make a note and invite them to another online meeting, or if you are not too far away or you will be near where they are based, perhaps meet up in person. Remember networking isn’t all about selling your product or service, it's about connecting with people who you can build relationships with.
These are just a few of the many networking techniques that will help you make the most of these online events. They might actually help those of you who find networking in person difficult - no more uncomfortable breaks where you try to make a connection or a good impression with an awkward lift speech. Find your next webinar, live cast, podcast or other online event at Event Central, carry out a simple search or create an alert so you never miss out on an opportunity again.
Image courtesy of @solomac