Unlocking Networking Excellence:

Elevate your sales game with these strategic tips to know before you go.

Tradeshows are back in full force and that means being ready to talk a mile a minute for hours on end! Tradeshows are often an extroverts' playground and can be an energy suck for introverts.

Many people who are GREAT in sales are introverts hiding in plain sight (ME). Why?

Because we can sleuth from behind our screens, or on zooms - but in a room full of people - yikes - we tend to retreat or start to feel the social anxiety.

With #inbound in full swing and #saastr right around the corner, #salesleaders, will be descending upon San Mateo in full force - all 12k people. Does anyone else feel a rising lump in their throat?

You may be asking yourself....

What do I talk about? What do I say? How do I open up conversations?

Ahhhhh. The list goes on and on.

Not to worry, As you gear up to seize opportunities and forge connections that propel your business forward, here's a strategic playbook tailored to introverts and extroverts alike.

QR Codes: Elevate Your Digital Presence

Business cards are dead. I said what I said! The last thing you want is your pocket weighed down with your business card let alone 500 others. Leave the cards at home.

The LinkedIn QR code is your ticket to swift, meaningful connections. Transition effortlessly from a conversation to a connection by sharing your code. This revolutionary approach doesn't just save time; it enhances your professional image, making every connection count. While you are at it - open up your notes app on your phone and jot down their name and a brief sentence so you remember WHY you should follow up post-show. Not only will you have captured their information in real-time, no need to lug around their business card too.

Selective Swag Mastery: Quality over Quantity

While we all love the allure of trade show swag, let's shift the focus from hoarding to sophistication. In my previous roles, we had a name for those who took all the swag - carts full - wheeling them through the tradeshow. *Don't be this person. (PS...find me at the A Sales Growth Company booth at #saastr and I'll tell you the name.

Opt for quality over quantity – choose standout items that align with you and that you will actually use. The more you hold in your hands, the more the anxiety builds - as no one wants to lug every tchotchke around. Bring a bag or a fanny pack to be hands free - the bag not only can carry all your goodies, but your water bottle too.

Partner Power: Amplify Your Impact

Networking doesn't have to be a solo act. Embrace the power of partnerships by teaming up with fellow sales leaders. The buddy system creates a dynamic synergy, enabling you to cover more ground, exchange insights, and even compete in a friendly challenge. Bounce ideas off of one another, fill in a blank if your wing man goes silent; teamwork makes the dream work.

*There is a reason that during sorority recruitment the buddy method is used! Wink wink to all my fellow sorority goers who get it. #IYKYK

Seamless Exits: Masterful Transitions

Leaving a conversation gracefully is an art, and sales leaders are masters of timing. The "Irish exit" is your secret weapon – a seamless departure that leaves a lasting impression. Transition smoothly by expressing genuine interest, noting key takeaways, and promising to follow up (and then FOLLOW UP). Your exit becomes an opportunity for follow-through, turning every conversation into a potential business connection. The more time you spend with one person and cornering yourself, the less time you have to work the crowd.

Knowing when to stick in a conversation and when to bow out will ensure you fill up your dance card at the networking event (so to speak).

The Intelligence Notebook: Personalized Precision

Sales acumen thrives on data. This is why those who have robust CRMs tend to have a stronger forecast accuracy. PRIOR to the networking event come up with a system. Ask yourself, how will you take notes during conversations, what app will you use, do you prefer pen and paper and how will you ensure you remember who you talked to. This is in essence discovery 101 - you have to have a way to keep track of all of your data!

Whether this is a notepad or a note app, both aren't just tools; they are a catalyst for tailored connections.

The Power of Strategic Breaks (for my fellow Introverts)

Here's the introvert's trick – embrace strategic breaks. Instead of powering through, schedule intentional pauses in your day. Find a quiet corner or an outdoor spot to catch your breath. Pop in some headphones and namaste for five minutes. These moments of solitude are your opportunity to recharge, refocus, and return to the fray with renewed energy.

Unlocking Introvert's Networking Potential: Insights from Greg Roche

Did you know that Greg Roche teaches introverts how to network? With more than 19k connections on LinkedIn, Greg pumps out content aimed specifically for networkers. I met Greg at an event a few months back and have stayed in touch.

Naturally, I asked him to weigh in and here is what he suggested for introverts headed to network at large shows:

● Initiate conversations with conference organizers, seeking recommendations for other people to meet at the tradeshow. Similar to a dinner party, allow the organizer to play host and introduce you to a suggested connection. This takes the guess work off of you and allows you to have an introduction that you can build off of.

● Speakers? Why of course! Approach speakers after sessions, reminding them of pre-conference connections, expressing enjoyment of their presentations, and inquiring about their participation in networking sessions. This allows you to engage with them in a small group setting, drawing talking points from their presentations while simultaneously meeting other people in the small group.

Greg publishes a newsletter called The Introverted Network - grab weekly tips to your inbox HERE.

Bottom line - put some thought into your sales networking efforts at upcoming events. Whether you are a sales leader or are sending your sales team, review the above to confirm that your team is prepared with a strategy and set up for success for optimal networking and post-event follow up.

Oh, and if you see me in a corner at #saastr doing some deep breathing - it's ok - I just need a few minutes to regroup from all the peopling