This document provides tips and strategies for intelligently navigating networking events. It recommends determining the return on investment and targeting the best events. Prior to events, it suggests researching who will attend to strategically plan connections. At events, it advises focusing on meeting targeted individuals, initiating conversations, and working the room. It also offers suggestions for comfortable approaches, icebreaker questions, and smoothly exiting conversations. Following up after events by connecting on LinkedIn and scheduling meetings is also recommended. The overall goal is to make quality connections and build long-term relationships.

1. Intelligently Navigating
Networking Events
Jason Flores – Director of Marketing
ProLango Consulting

2. Expected Results – Why Go?
• Determine ROI
• Target best events

3. Which Events?
• Iloveseattle.org
• LinkedIn Events
• Seattletimes.com
• PSBJ
• Prof. Associations
• NWRA
• SHRM

4. Prior to Event
• Strategic vs. Tactical
– See who’s attending
– Research them and plan to connect

5. At the Event
• Resource vs. Job Seeker
• Focus on meeting your target people
• Near the door or by food
• Initiate conversations
• Work the room
• Bring a wingman

6. Comfortable Approach
• Find approachable person
• Smile
• Make eye contact
• Offer your name & use theirs
• Use fire starter

7. Fire Starting Questions
• What brings you here this evening?
• What do you do?
• I see you’re in marketing, what kind of
marketing do you do?

8. Fire Starting Statements
• What a great event. Do you attend often?
• What a great restaurant. Have you been
here before?

9. Approaching Groups of People
1. Move close to group
2. Show interest in speaker
3. Smile and nod
4. Ease into group
5. Join discussion

10. F-R-O-G
• Family
• Recreation
• Occupation
• Goals

11. Conversation Exits
• Standard Exit
• Join You (introduction) Exit
• Show Appreciation Exit
• Invitation Exit

12. Event Follow-up
• LinkedIn connections
• Schedule coffee meetings
• Send information or introductions

13. Next Steps
• Don’t forget about this
• Target events
• Do your homework
• Make great connections
• Follow-up & build relationships

14. Come Join Us!
Free ProLango Career Mixer
March 13th 6:30pm @ Citrus Lake Union
www.prolango.com
jason@prolango.com