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Conference Networking System (Pre-During-Post)

Social Skills · medium · 2-3 hours pre-event research, focused time during event, 1-2 hours post-event follow-up

What is Conference Networking System (Pre-During-Post)?

A structured three-phase system for extracting maximum relationship value from professional conferences and events. Most people attend conferences passively and leave with a stack of business cards they never follow up on. This system front-loads the work by researching attendees and scheduling meetings before the event, executing a targeted approach during the event, and following up systematically within 48 hours after.

Is there evidence for it?

EVIDENCEmoderate

How do you do Conference Networking System (Pre-During-Post)?

  1. 1.PRE-EVENT (1-2 weeks before): Review the attendee list or speaker lineup, identify 5-10 priority contacts, and send personalized LinkedIn messages to schedule brief meetings during the event
  2. 2.PRE-EVENT: Prepare a concise 30-second introduction and 2-3 open-ended questions tailored to each priority contact
  3. 3.DURING EVENT: Focus on quality over quantity — aim for 5-8 meaningful 10-minute conversations rather than 50 handshakes
  4. 4.DURING EVENT: Take quick notes on your phone after each conversation (key details, what they need, what you promised)
  5. 5.POST-EVENT (within 48 hours): Send personalized follow-up messages referencing specific conversation details, and deliver on anything you promised

How long does it take?

2-3 hours pre-event research, focused time during event, 1-2 hours post-event follow-up.

Is it hard to start?

medium.

Source: Keith Ferrazzi, Never Eat Alone (2005); Jayson Gaignard, Mastermind Dinners (2014)
networking · social · career · events · conferences · relationships · follow-up
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