When opportunities are often played in the informal, the art of meeting has become a key skill. The decisive moments are rarely registered in the agenda and are born impromptu in a conference corridor, during a cocktail, around a dinner or in the queue of an event. These apparently harmless exchanges sometimes open the way to a new collaboration, an unexpected customer or a precious introduction, you still have to know how to initiate them.
From contact to connection
Networking is not reduced to the exchange of business cards and the difference is played out in the ability to create an immediate and striking connection. Three elements count: posture, intention and follow -up. The posture, by the energy and attention paid to the other, creates the first impression (that which should not be missed). The intention, turned towards curiosity rather than self -promotion, gives relief to the conversation. The follow -up, finally, inscribes the exchange over time and transforms a moment into a relationship.
Prepare without freezing
The most fruitful encounters are based on a mixture of preparation and spontaneity. Before an event, some set a clear objective: to exchange with a defined number of people, to explore a theme or initiate a precise connection. Once there, the key is to ask open questions: “What are you working on at the moment?” “,” What is your main challenge? ». These simple and adaptable formulas allow you to launch an authentic conversation without constraining the interlocutor.
Before receiving
A frequent error is to consider the exchange only on an immediate benefit. The most effective approach is opposite: first try to be useful. Recommend a contact, share a resource, or propose an introduction, even if no common project is emerging, creates sustainable credibility. It is in this “connector” posture that a solid network is built.
The time to conclude
Knowing how to finish a conversation is as important as to engage it. A clear outing avoids floating and leaves a positive impression. “I will greet other people but I would like to continue this discussion, can I add you to LinkedIn?” “: The formula is simple, polished and opens a suite. The message sent the next day, briefly recalling the context of exchange, consolidates the memory of the meeting and installs the relationship in time.
Cultures and contexts
The practices vary according to the environments. In Anglo-Saxon circles, networking is codified, sometimes competitive, supported by digital tools such as QR codes or personal contact bases. In Europe, the quality of the exchange and the depth of the conversation often take precedence over the volume of meetings. But the principle remains identical: the value of a network is less due to its size than to the solidity of the links that compose it.
A skill to cultivate
The art of meeting is not innate and is acquired by repetition, curiosity and attention paid to others. Dare to get out of its comfort zone, ritualize monitoring and favor active listening transform an improvised moment into a structuring opportunity. In a context where careers and projects are based on confidence networks, this discreet skill can weigh heavily in the trajectory of a professional.
October Tech: Rendezvous not to be missed
HUBFORUM – October 7 – Paris
Organized by the Hub Institute, the Hubforum will bring together more than 600 trade and digital decision -makers around changes in advertising platforms, customer experience and AI. On the program: conferences, masterclass and networking with LVMH, Tinder or Ikea stakeholders.
EBG-Digital Benchmark-October 7-8-La Rochelle
The EBG digital benchmark will bring together digital marketing players for two days of conferences and workshops. A complete panorama of Adtech and Martech solutions, with benchmarks, experience feedback and case studies.
SEO Summit-October 14-15-Paris
The SEO meeting returns to the Parc des Princes in partnership with BDM. Experts and practitioners, including Sylvain Peyronnet, Paul Sanches and Nelly Kempf, will share their analyzes on AI, EEAT, user experience and the impact of social networks.
European Blockchain Convention-October 15-17-Barcelona
The major blockchain event in Europe returns with a focus on tokenization, decentralized finance and industrial use cases. A privileged meeting place between founders, investors and regulators.
Unleash World-October 21-22-Paris Convention Center
The international festival dedicated to HR technologies will explore the future of work: Automation of recruitment, HR IA, Talent Management and Digital Culture. An essential forum for European HR decision -makers.
