I recently attended a Lobby networking event in Dallas, and it was a great opportunity to make valuable connections. Here are a few things I did to ensure I made the most of it: ✔️ Research Attendees Before the Event: Before the event, I took some time to review the guest list and identify key people I’d like to connect with. I looked them up on LinkedIn and their company websites, which helped me craft personalized conversation starters. This gave me the confidence to approach the right people. ✔️ At the Event - Be Intentional and Engaging: Once at the event, I focused on quality over quantity. I made sure to engage in meaningful conversations with my top targets, but stayed open to meeting new people too. I asked thoughtful questions, listened actively, and made sure to share a bit about my own experiences. I also had my LinkedIn profile ready to share digitally, which made connecting seamless. *Use the QR Code Function on the right side of the search bar!* ✔️ Leverage Your Own Network: One of the best ways to build relationships is by offering to connect people in your network with others. During conversations, I made it a point to mention people I know who could be helpful to the other person and offered to introduce them. By being a connector, I not only added value, but also strengthened my own position within the network. ✔️ Follow Up After the Event: There were a few people I didn’t manage to speak with during the event, so I followed up the next day via LinkedIn. I mentioned something specific we would’ve likely discussed and shared my interest in connecting further. This follow-up helped solidify those connections and opened doors for future opportunities.