While the advantage of virtual events is that many can be organized and hosted in a short period of time, participants may not always feel satisfied with each and every one of them. There are many factors that cause this; lack of preparation from the participant, poor time management, lack of focus, difficulty with networking virtually due to its unfamiliar nature, the challenging maneuver of virtual spaces, the lack of knowledge in converting these events into relationships with potential partners and no proper follow-up after the event.
Hence, we are here to provide you with some tips on how to stand out and maximize the efficiency of your participation in virtual events.
- Identify your account properly. This includes a professional picture, your full name (so people may identify you and contact you later on), and your company or position title.
- Turn on your camera at all times, dress up, and smile as you would in a formal setting. It is very important to present an inviting and trustworthy figure, open to interaction and collaboration.
- Set yourself in an appropriate work setting, such as an office or desk. Use good camera angles, as if you were taking a professional picture.
- Be ready to interact with and also acknowledge the achievements of other participants throughout the event, either by writing in the group chat or connecting with them on social media prior to the event. This will require proactive research to familiarise yourself with their company and its accomplishments.
- Keep practicing your speaking and networking skills. Be able to present yourself within one minute using these 3 important questions: what you are great at, what assistance you can provide (problems you solve), what are you looking for. You will have the chance to do this at virtual networking tables or in breakout rooms.
- Be ready to jumpstart and hold discussions about your expertise and the related subject of the event. By doing so, you can attract attention, build credibility and drive traffic to your website. Discussions can be done through the chat section and in breakout rooms.
- Do not interrupt moderators or other participants; if you are not willing to give your time to listen and attend the event, others probably will not be willing to give their time to you. Keep being focused and avoid multitasking. This will ensure the maximum effect of your involvement.
- Find the organizers of the event on social media and interact (comment, like, share) with their posts about the event
- Invite your colleagues and potential partners /clients you would like to work with to the event. Your network will benefit from this and it will also show your involvement in the field.
- Share your insights and takeaways during and after the event on various social media and communication channels.
- Continue to connect with other participants; write down their names (which will be written on their account profile), look for them on social media, and reach out to them.
- Write a thank you letter to speakers, organizers, new connections, etc. Showing gratitude is never wasted and may distinguish you from others.
- Ask the organizers to connect you with your potential partners/buyers/sellers, before or/and after the event.
- Time is precious; once you are connected with others, immediately start building a dialogue and relationship (not just sell a service or product) with them.
Conclusion
A good and successful participant is not someone who speaks the loudest or the most often—in fact, this comes off as rather rude and obnoxious. Instead, take the time to listen and take notes. Times are changing and we must adapt our networking strategies to the virtual world.
Kim Lefort, a student at McGill University in Political Science and Russian Studies, Loran scholar
Marina Belskikh, Ph.D. in economics, international business development consultant, coach