Conferences: How to strike up a conversations with prospects?

Question

So if you saw my last post I was asking for advice on outreach in prep for a conference.

For context we don't have a booth, so the goal is to lure some folks into meeting at a nearby coffee shop near the entrance. So in addition to the meetings we set before we'd like to get some ad hoc meetings on the floor.

Would love some advice on striking up conversations at the conference.

Like if I see a prospect I've been cold calling but haven't connected yet, how should I approach? I don't wanna be a weirdo about it.

Curious how the WR would approach this? Thank YOU savages

Accepted Answer

Since its at a conference, I feel like you have the greenlight to walk up to anyone since networking is the main part.

Answer

Just don't be creepy 😆

Answer

Take a low key approach, hows the conference going? is it what you expected? find something to joke about. where are you at with x product off you go. You should be able to gauge after about 10 seconds if they are going to engage with you or not about your product/service.

Answer

if you see someone that you have been trying to get a hold of id for sure go up and introduce yourself.

Answer

"Where are you drinking later?"

Answer

I did two dreamforces without a booth and I just chatted people up between sessions and borrowed a customers booth to have a few meetings.

Answer

Same way you approach someone at a bar "hey you look familiar, did I see you at xxxxx(insert conference or other work-related event you attended, or somewhere you frequent)?"

Answer

Try to get an understanding of why they are there; this could give you room to open up as to why you are there.

Answer

People won’t care about you until You show you care about them. This is in sales as well.

Answer

Let it happen organically, don’t blow your sales load right off the bat.  You’ll get plenty of opportunities and meetings at a well attended conference

Answer

"This is my first time at this conference. I am looking to network with people who (ideal cuatomer profile). Can you point me to anyone like that?"

Answer

Getting a job, selling, or picking someone up - they are interchangeable skill sets. Play your strengths and close them.

Answer

The best time as a sales person is usually when food is being served. There's often tables where strangers sit together

Answer

The word "lure" has me concerned. What, exactly, are you doing at the coffee shop?

Answer

if it's a low dollar hi volume product you need to error on the side of aggressiveness but don't start pitching right away, try to have a casual conversation and be respectful. it it's an enterprise prospect you want to build a relationship first so try to get them to meet you for coffee, drinks or a meal and your goal is build a relationship first so that they will remember you and respond to you when you reach out for a business meeting.

BTQ

Conferences: How to strike up a conversations with prospects?

How to start a convo?

23 comments

BTQ

Conferences: How to strike up a conversations with prospects?

How to start a convo?

23 comments

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