Connect Like a Pro

As the buzz of the winter conference and awards season kicks off, one of the most crucial skills you need is effective connecting. Whether you’re attending industry events, business awards, or international conferences, connecting isn’t just a casual activity—it’s a strategic tool that can drive opportunities, grow your network and boost your career.

I say connecting because the word networking has a different translation to the brain, it can shivers down some peoples spines, it can make a normally dray hand feel likes it’s just been shoved under a tap and eft to drip dry. The shift in calling it connecting and what it does to our sub-conscious mind means we approach it in a different manner.

When we are thinking connection we communicate and build relationships differently, with purpose, with meaning and with the goal of building a relationship, when we think networking most people think “selling” and whilst we all need to do this in business, this is 2024 last time I look at the calendar and how we sell and how we buy has evolved, hands up most of my business comes from word of mouth / recommendation or someone has watched me keynote at a conference.

So, how can you ensure you’re getting the most out of every interaction, every connection, whether it’s a conference or an awards ceremony.

Here’s my 5 tips to connecting with intention, purpose for maximum impact.

1. Understand YOUR behaviours and their impact.

Before diving into the connecting with all, it’s important to understand your natural behavioural style. Using a profiling tool like the DISC personality model can help you approach others based on both yours and their unique preferences.

• Dominance (D) Red styles (outgoing and task focused) tend to be assertive, goal-driven, and quick to engage in conversations,. They focus on whats in it for them, if they think there is meaning they will connect quickly, if they do not see benefit, they will move on. Do NOT be offended, it is just their style. Move on too and be grateful for the lack of time wasting.
• Influence (I) Yellow styles  (outgoing and people focused) they thrive in social settings, love connecting and will generally talk to everyone, with ease and enthusiasm. Downside is they can be a little inward focussed “all about me” If this is you, remember to ask about them and don’t talk over others.

• Steadiness (S) Green styles (reserved and people focussed)  are more reflective and prefer deeper, more meaningful conversations, connecting one-on-one. They won’t rush a conversation, instead will spend more time asking you about you. Be aware if you are this style that it’s okay to move to the next conversation if you don’t feel there is meaningful connection being formed, it’s not rude, connecting with everyone won’t grow you business (see point 2)

• Conscientiousness (C) Blue style (reserved and task focussed)  This style is more analytical and prefer connecting in structured environments, often with a clear objective in mind. They don’t engage well in the small talk, so if they avoid the personal conversations and keep it to business then keep it to business too.

Knowing where you stand in the DISC model can help you approach situations more strategically, ensuring that you have conversations and connect in a way that aligns with your natural tendencies while being mindful of others’ styles. For example, if you’re naturally an “I” type, use that energy to draw others into discussions, but also be aware that a high “C” person may appreciate a more structured one-to-one approach to the conversation.

2. Set Connection Objectives

Connecting, whether that be at conferences or award events can easily become overwhelming. Walking into a room full of people with no plan can result in superficial conversations and missed opportunities. Instead, define your objectives before attending the event.

• Are you looking for potential clients, partners even mentors?
• Do you want to raise brand awareness for your organisation?
• Are you hoping to gather insights from industry leaders?

Being clear on what you want to achieve will give your interactions more focus and ensure you leave with meaningful connections rather than a pocket full of new LinkedIn requests and instagram followers.

3. Conversations are a two-way street

First and foremost be YOURSELF, with the self awareness of your point 2 above. While it’s tempting to spend time talking about yourself or your business, the key to successful connections is listening, two ears and one mouth for a reason (remember that Yellow I’s) active listening goes beyond hearing someone’s words; it involves truly engaging with what they’re saying, asking meaningful questions about what they other has just said, this will show genuine interest. This builds trust and also helps you gather valuable information that can lead to deeper relationships.

At a busy conference, people can often feel like they’re just being “pitched” to, especially if the event organiser has called the session “registrations and networking.  By focusing on listening and understanding to the needs of others, you’ll stand out and make a lasting impression.

4. Follow-Up Is Key

One of the biggest mistakes people make after attending conferences and awards is failing to follow up. A polite, timely follow-up email or LinkedIn message can turn a fleeting interaction into a long-term relationship. In your message:

• Reference something specific from your conversation the will show that you did actively listen.
• DO NOT SELL.
• Keep it brief but open the door for further discussion.

5. Navigating Awards Season: Celebrate and Connect

Awards season presents a unique opportunity to not only celebrate achievements but to connect with key players in your industry. These events are often a bit more relaxed and festive, so take advantage of this atmosphere to strike up informal conversations with people you may not otherwise meet.

• Congratulate winners, even if you don’t know them personally—it’s a great icebreaker.
• Attend any pre- or post-award mixers, as they offer a more intimate space to connect.
• Use the event as a way to reflect on your own achievements and how you might share your story in the future.

Connecting during conference and awards season is more than just scanning a linkedIn QR code, asking for an instagram handle or handing out business cards; it’s about building lasting, meaningful relationships that can drive long-term success. Whether you’re a natural “people person” or someone who finds new connections daunting, using the right strategies—like understanding your DISC profile, setting clear goals, and following up—can make all the difference.

Be intentional, be genuine, and remember, when done right, it can be one of the most valuable tools in your business growth.

As the buzz of the winter conference and awards season kicks off, one of the most crucial skills you need is effective connecting. Whether you’re attending industry events, business awards, or international conferences, connecting isn’t just a casual activity—it’s a strategic tool that can drive opportunities, grow your network and boost your career.

I say connecting because the word networking has a different translation to the brain, it can shivers down some peoples spines, it can make a normally dray hand feel likes it’s just been shoved under a tap and eft to drip dry. The shift in calling it connecting and what it does to our sub-conscious mind means we approach it in a different manner.

When we are thinking connection we communicate and build relationships differently, with purpose, with meaning and with the goal of building a relationship, when we think networking most people think “selling” and whilst we all need to do this in business, this is 2024 last time I look at the calendar and how we sell and how we buy has evolved, hands up most of my business comes from word of mouth / recommendation or someone has watched me keynote at a conference.

So, how can you ensure you’re getting the most out of every interaction, every connection, whether it’s a conference or an awards ceremony.

Here’s my 5 tips to connecting with intention, purpose for maximum impact.

1. Understand YOUR behaviours and their impact.

Before diving into the connecting with all, it’s important to understand your natural behavioural style. Using a profiling tool like the DISC personality model can help you approach others based on both yours and their unique preferences.

• Dominance (D) Red styles (outgoing and task focused) tend to be assertive, goal-driven, and quick to engage in conversations,. They focus on whats in it for them, if they think there is meaning they will connect quickly, if they do not see benefit, they will move on. Do NOT be offended, it is just their style. Move on too and be grateful for the lack of time wasting.
• Influence (I) Yellow styles  (outgoing and people focused) they thrive in social settings, love connecting and will generally talk to everyone, with ease and enthusiasm. Downside is they can be a little inward focussed “all about me” If this is you, remember to ask about them and don’t talk over others.

• Steadiness (S) Green styles (reserved and people focussed)  are more reflective and prefer deeper, more meaningful conversations, connecting one-on-one. They won’t rush a conversation, instead will spend more time asking you about you. Be aware if you are this style that it’s okay to move to the next conversation if you don’t feel there is meaningful connection being formed, it’s not rude, connecting with everyone won’t grow you business (see point 2)

• Conscientiousness (C) Blue style (reserved and task focussed)  This style is more analytical and prefer connecting in structured environments, often with a clear objective in mind. They don’t engage well in the small talk, so if they avoid the personal conversations and keep it to business then keep it to business too.

Knowing where you stand in the DISC model can help you approach situations more strategically, ensuring that you have conversations and connect in a way that aligns with your natural tendencies while being mindful of others’ styles. For example, if you’re naturally an “I” type, use that energy to draw others into discussions, but also be aware that a high “C” person may appreciate a more structured one-to-one approach to the conversation.

2. Set Connection Objectives

Connecting, whether that be at conferences or award events can easily become overwhelming. Walking into a room full of people with no plan can result in superficial conversations and missed opportunities. Instead, define your objectives before attending the event.

• Are you looking for potential clients, partners even mentors?
• Do you want to raise brand awareness for your organisation?
• Are you hoping to gather insights from industry leaders?

Being clear on what you want to achieve will give your interactions more focus and ensure you leave with meaningful connections rather than a pocket full of new LinkedIn requests and instagram followers.

3. Conversations are a two-way street

First and foremost be YOURSELF, with the self awareness of your point 2 above. While it’s tempting to spend time talking about yourself or your business, the key to successful connections is listening, two ears and one mouth for a reason (remember that Yellow I’s) active listening goes beyond hearing someone’s words; it involves truly engaging with what they’re saying, asking meaningful questions about what they other has just said, this will show genuine interest. This builds trust and also helps you gather valuable information that can lead to deeper relationships.

At a busy conference, people can often feel like they’re just being “pitched” to, especially if the event organiser has called the session “registrations and networking.  By focusing on listening and understanding to the needs of others, you’ll stand out and make a lasting impression.

4. Follow-Up Is Key

One of the biggest mistakes people make after attending conferences and awards is failing to follow up. A polite, timely follow-up email or LinkedIn message can turn a fleeting interaction into a long-term relationship. In your message:

• Reference something specific from your conversation the will show that you did actively listen.
• DO NOT SELL.
• Keep it brief but open the door for further discussion.

5. Navigating Awards Season: Celebrate and Connect

Awards season presents a unique opportunity to not only celebrate achievements but to connect with key players in your industry. These events are often a bit more relaxed and festive, so take advantage of this atmosphere to strike up informal conversations with people you may not otherwise meet.

• Congratulate winners, even if you don’t know them personally—it’s a great icebreaker.
• Attend any pre- or post-award mixers, as they offer a more intimate space to connect.
• Use the event as a way to reflect on your own achievements and how you might share your story in the future.

Connecting during conference and awards season is more than just scanning a linkedIn QR code, asking for an instagram handle or handing out business cards; it’s about building lasting, meaningful relationships that can drive long-term success. Whether you’re a natural “people person” or someone who finds new connections daunting, using the right strategies—like understanding your DISC profile, setting clear goals, and following up—can make all the difference.

Be intentional, be genuine, and remember, when done right, it can be one of the most valuable tools in your business growth.