Top Tips to Turn Strangers into Allies at Startup Conferences

Have you gone to a startup conference without knowing anyone beforehand? It might feel intimidating to talk to strangers, especially if you need their expertise to grow your business. Yet, networking with strangers is essential to finding mentors and new hires, sourcing leads, and developing new ideas. 

Amalya Megerman of Harvard University School of Engineering and Applied Sciences moderated a discussion with Matt Crane of MGMT Boston, Elena LoBianco of TriNet, and Pardees Safizadeh of Smashing Boxes to discuss top networking tips at startup conferences. This event was co-hosted with the City of Boston.

The full conversation, Master Networking: Turn Strangers into Allies at Startup Conferences, is available on Startup Boston’s YouTube. Here, I’ve recapped a few pointers from the discussion.

Why Networking is Essential to Grow your Career and Business

1. Find new opportunities

Whether you need to find a mentor, new customers, or develop a new partnership, networking at conferences and events is a great way to meet those people. Additionally, the people you meet can provide you with career advice, job opportunities, or help you find a new job candidate. 

2. Learn new ideas

People come from all walks of life, so networking with different people can help you gain new insights and perspectives on the challenges you and your business are facing. Conversely, you could be the one giving advice to another person, which can build your credibility and reputation. 

3. Develop relationships

Meeting new people with similar career interests can help you grow your network. Your network is a pool of resources you can rely on to help you solve problems and gain new ideas. As a bonus, networking also helps you gain visibility and build your reputation as a reliable, knowledgeable person in your industry. 

4. Build trust and support

A hidden benefit to any type of relationship-building is developing trust between you and the other person. You can develop that trust by motivating each other when times are good and consoling each other when times are bad. 

You can learn more about the benefits of networking from this Indeed article: The Benefits of Networking: 14 Reasons To Start Your Network.

Preparations Before Attending the Startup Conference

• Have an end goal in mind

Have an objective of what you want to achieve at these conferences. It is never a good idea to go about life aimlessly, so have direction to know where to go. That same principle applies to networking, too. Set out a goal to listen to this speaker or start a conversation with that person. Maybe your goal is to share your business with X amount of people. Whatever your goal is, it is best to have a goal so you can leave feeling accomplished.

• Research who will be attending the conference

This preliminary research can help you identify individuals who can be of help to you. Combine this research with goal setting, then you can know what to talk about when you finally meet that individual in the conference.

• Know the layout of the conference

Still feeling nervous? Know the layout of the conference. It might seem like a minor detail, but knowing where everything is can add to your confidence. You can walk in there with your head held high knowing where the sessions are taking place, not having to rush through the elevators, and can locate the nearest bathroom.

“Oh no - I don’t know anyone here!” 

• Have confidence! 

Try not to fidget or look down at your phone. You are there to meet and talk to people, so hold your head high, smile, and have self-confidence. Try to look for someone you may know or can start a conversation, then introduce yourself. If the conversation goes downhill or you are not clicking with that person, walk away. Find someone to network with who is worth your time.

• Compliment the person 

Flattery is an excellent way to start friendly so that you can compliment them about their outfit, shoes, hair, or anything good about them. Then, that conversation can transform into what they are doing at the conference, what was learned from the speakers, or anything relevant. As a precaution, be appropriate and professional when commenting on people’s appearances.

• Ask for an introduction

After you speak to one person, ask them to introduce you to another person in the room that would suit your interest. That can help you work around the room to meet relevant people who can help you answer questions or problem-solve. Do not forget to thank your initial contact for introducing the next person.

How do you best follow up with someone after the conference?

• Feel free to follow up 

You can send them a quick message thanking them for their time speaking to you. It gives the impression to your new contact that you care about what they discussed with you and values their relationship. 

• Remind them what was discussed in the conversation 

A day may pass, and you have many business cards, but what did you discuss with that person? It is good to have quick notes about the conversation and remind them of what was discussed. Be personable, of course!  You can even follow up about personal things, like their pets or vacations, to make the conversation more laid back.

• Say “Hi” the next time you see them at a conference 

It is excellent you met a helpful or informed contact while networking last time. Keep building that relationship every time you see them. Your conversations may not always be about business, but you can make new friends and contacts through ongoing networking efforts.

Did you miss Startup Boston Week 2024?

Sadly, Startup Boston Week 2024 is over this year, but you can still watch the sessions posted on our YouTube. The Startup Boston Week speakers discuss a wide range of startup and business topics. 

If you liked a speaker, test out some tips we shared today! Connect with them on LinkedIn or send a cold email to tell them how great they did - networking can happen virtually, too!

Nicholas Ewing is a graduate of UMass Lowell in Business Administration: International Business this year. You can connect with him here.