Nichole Lauren

photography + Education

est. 2015

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I'm Nichole, a wedding photographer, wifey, dog mom, and attorney for creatives based in Greenville, SC. ✨ Playful, heartfelt photos for couples who live in the moment. Serving SC, DC, FL + beyond. Connect with me using the icons below or feel free to send me an email: hello@nicholelaurenphotography.com. You can also find me on the podcast and Youtube. And don't forget to share your favorite posts!

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In this episode, we dive into the art of making genuine connections at conferences. Join me as I interview Cameron and Tia. We discuss how to be strategic yet authentic in your networking efforts to ensure you get the most out of your conference experience. We share practical conference networking tips including: preparation, maximizing time during the event, and effective follow-up strategies to build lasting professional relationships.

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Key Takeaways

Conferences are incredible opportunities for learning, growth, and networking, but maximizing these benefits requires a strategic approach. Here are some of the key takeaways from this episode!

Intentionality and Preparation:
- Set Clear Goals: Define your objectives for the conference, whether it’s meeting specific people, learning new skills, or finding collaboration opportunities.
- Research Attendees: Create a “hit list” of people you want to connect with. Use this list to focus your efforts and ensure meaningful interactions.
- Prepare Questions: Have thoughtful questions ready to engage in deeper conversations. This shows genuine interest and helps break the ice.
During the Conference:
- Maximize Downtime: Use every moment, including breaks and lines, to connect with others. These small conversations can lead to significant opportunities.
- Mix Up Social Circles: Challenge yourself to meet new people by sitting with different groups at meals and engaging with diverse attendees.
- Be Approachable and Engaging: Show enthusiasm and openness. Authentic interest in others makes you memorable and fosters stronger connections.
- Reflect and Adjust: Regularly assess if you’re meeting your goals and adjust your approach to maximize your conference experience.
Post-Conference Follow-Up:
- Organize Contacts: Track new connections in a spreadsheet, noting key details about each person and potential collaboration ideas.
- Personalize Follow-Ups: Send personalized messages or video DMs to thank your new contacts and express interest in staying connected.
- Engage on Social Media: Follow your new contacts, engage with their content, and support their initiatives to keep the connection alive.
- Plan Future Interactions: Look for collaboration opportunities such as guest blogging, podcasting, or joint projects. Regularly check in with your new connections to nurture these relationships.

By preparing thoughtfully, engaging genuinely during the event, and following up with care, you can transform your conference experiences into meaningful professional relationships.

Action Items

Let’s get started with implementation! Here are some action items for you to start with TODAY to put the strategies we discussed in this episode to use!

Reflect on your own conference experiences and identify areas where you can be more intentional and strategic.
Create a “hit list” for your next conference, including key people you want to meet and thoughtful questions you can ask.
Schedule follow-up time after the conference to organize contacts, personalize follow-ups, and engage on social media.

Thank you for joining us today! If you found this episode valuable, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with others who might benefit from these insights. Until next time, happy networking!