Mastering networking events for online and in-person events - Mangla Sachdev

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00:03
Hello and welcome. I'm Mangla and this is your crash course in mastering networking events, whether in person or online That actually lead to more sales, dream collaborations.

00:17
Warm referrals, and more visibility for your business Forget awkward small talk and collecting business cards that just sit in your drawer. Today I'm going to show you how to network with purpose.

00:29
Content, confidence and personality So people remember you for all the right reasons. So when I say networking event, you might picture someone awkwardly pushing a business card into your hand while pitching something you don't need. But today's events, in person or virtual spaces. Often feel like grabbing coffee with friends. We talk about everything. Business, travel, schools. Gurus we follow, even the loneliness of working from home. And in those casual conversations. Opportunities are usually hiding. So before the event, how do you prep like a pro?

01:09
Let's start with what to do before you attend.So you find out who's hosting. Who's hosting this particular event. Look them up. Have they hosted other events and do you know someone who's attended before?I always check the parking situation beforehand. Sounds simple, but knowing where to park makes the whole thing a bit smoother. On the way there.

01:30
I arrive early. Latecomers walk into rooms where conversations are already flowing, so it's harder to insert yourself naturally. Then I look at icebreakers, not interrogations.So I live in Singapore currently, so I love starting with how long have you been here.And where's home?But if you're, you know, you have. You're not living away from your Country home country, you could try this.

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Did you have to travel far to get here How long have you had a business Start soft. No one likes jumping straight into. So what do you do So if the attendee list is public, have a scroll Through their socials. Find shared interests who serves your audience but doesn't compete with you.

02:17
Add them to a mental or physical want to meet list If you're interested in lead magnet swaps or shoutouts. Think about how can we help each other get more visible? If it feels right, take a photo together at the event That pic will come in handy later for follow ups So if you can't find a guest list or if you're attending online.

02:39
Here's what to do. Instead Message the organizer beforehand. Introduce yourself and say you're looking forward to the event. And mention the kind of people you'd love to meet. You're not being annoying, you're actually helping them. Because a good host wants attendees to make great connections So tell them if you're looking for collaborations.

03:00
If you'd love to connect with people who serve a similar audience Or you'd love a gentle intro during the event. And this works beautifully online. And I've been dropped into breakout rooms with perfect people just because I asked. So a big reminder here is if you don't ask, you don't get. So say you've arrived at your in person event. Who do you speak to first? So you walk in.

03:26
You start with the host. Say hi, thank them for organizing and they may just. Introduce you to someone on the spot. And if you can't find the host. Scan the room. Find someone who looks like they're also looking for someone to talk to. Start chatting and say something like shall we each go meet three to five people and then come back and regroup? Now that you've got a built in wing woman, you're doubling your reach. So staying memorable is this is my favorite part Follow them on social media. While you're chatting.

04:02
Take a photo together and you can tag them in your stories. I would also tag the organizer And the location of a new because that gives you three chances To show up in new audiences stories.

04:16
Make a quick note after each chat. Do they mention a kid's birthday party coming up, a holiday they were excited about Or that they were feeling stuck in their business? It's these little personal notes that make your follow up golden. So the next day, what do you do? This is what I like to call the follow up Magic. DM or email them saying lovely to meet you. Yesterday I really enjoyed our chat and would love to stay in touch.

04:44
This is also your moment to briefly explain what you do if you didn't get a chance and invite them to a coffee or a quick zoom. And a bonus move. Connect them with someone else they totally vibe with.

04:58
I love doing this. It's why people love reconnecting with me after events. I'm always creating win wins So after the event I usually come back and I open up my follow up spreadsheet. Yep, it's old school but it works. And this is what I include in it. So it's the person's name. The event where I met them. Interest or something personal that I've taken a note of.

05:23
The platform we connected on So whether you know, we exchanged LinkedIn. Details or Instagram or Facebook. Then I would put a column to say when I will follow up with them. Then another column To say if they replied.

05:40
And then I would put a date of when I should next follow up. And then the last column would be how can I help them So this particular system Which is super simple on Google Sheets. Has brought in leads, clients Podcast invites and incredible collaboration.

05:59
So there you go That's my system. For mastering networking events Online and in person.

06:07
But before I go, let me introduce myself properly I'm Mangla and I'm from London but now based in Singapore. I've also lived in Malaysia, Australia North of England and Scotland.

06:19
So a few years back I co founded a T shirt printing business here after a frustrating experience while being in the PTA at my children's school And this business.

06:29
Really took off. Within 48 hours we had our first client and shortly after that Meta Singapore and the US embassy became clients So we scaled to six figures in under a year But Because it was this type of business we were in, it was a product based business, we couldn't take it anywhere if we moved again And that's when the idea of expat business in a bag was born. Now I help expats, digital nomads and travel lovers build portable and profitable business.

07:02
So you never have to start from scratch again. I also help you grow your audience globally, one connection At a time. And before I wrap up, here's a little tip for your next intro at an eventI would start with I help And then you add your ideal audience To What problem you solve or what result you helpThrough So how do you do it? Do you do it one to one group coaching? Do you have a course?

07:28
And I'd also add I'd love to meet others who serve a similar audience So we can explore win wins Boom. It's clear, it's generous and it opens the door to juicy conversationsSo thanks for spending these few minutes with me.

07:43
Follow me on Instagram Bat Business in a bag Grab my free guide Ideas to Income and if you attend a networking event soon, tag me in your stories.

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I attend at least one in person and two online events every single week and I share behind the scenes tips regularly.

08:05
Happy connecting.