How can you make a lasting impression when networking at a fundraising event?

3 things to prep before you go to a fundraising event. 1)Have a hook - this is a one liner about you that will leave an impression. It has to be very impactful and memorable. Practice saying what you do with a killer one liner. 2) Practice saying what you do in 1min. Remember at an event you have a very short moment. The point is to meet as many prospects as possible and continue the conversation after the event. 3) Practice pausing and commanding the space with your presence. Your attitude is key at an event. Own the space.

As an impact investor, I’ve had to attend so many fundraisers as well as listen to a lot of pitches. Without date, a lasting impression is a mix of preparation, authenticity, and strategic follow-up; of which your pitch is a decisive element that begins with a concise and compelling way to introduce yourself. I say it every time, “the tongue is everything..”. It is the life force for representing only three things as far as your pitch is concerned: (1) who you are, (2) what you do, and (3) why you’re passionate about the event's cause. This makes you memorable and starts conversations on a meaningful note. It’s everything.

What if I said the best thing to do was carry a teddy bear? You'd think I wasn't being serious, perhaps? All the advice here will be saying 'Work out what you are going to say' but what if you could do something that would make the more curious people there want to talk to you? I'll let you mull on that. First impressions are the most memorable. Next thought - in your few seconds where you say what you do etc. say exactly who you are looking to speak with, people with certain types of connections, people who can make certain decisions, etc. Don't be unfriendly at all but find a filter to get to who you want quickly.

One of my consulting clients just held their second 'big event' but first time charging a fee for admission. They beat their attendance record from last year and the mood in the room was truly inspiring! As their fundraising consultant, I was so proud. When starting out with events, have reasonable expectations, get the right people in the room- from the speakers, honorees to the attendees. Set event goals for 2-3 year ahead. If appropriate- consider a mix of potential supporters and clients who can 'tell their stories'. Encourage other attendees to ask clients questions. These dialogues can open up hearts and minds Of course this may not be appropriate in all cases, so always use best judgement.

Everyone hates getting pitched to at networking events. DO NOT FALL INTO THAT TRAP You're there to build meaningful connections and those connections will hopefully help you. Listening and caring about about what the person you're speaking to is saying is key. Then there's more chance they'll care about what you're saying. Ultimately the person in the room you really want to speak to is the same person that dozens of other people do too. Make them leave thinking that there's a good reason for them to stay in contact with you rather than a transactional 'This is what my startup does, I'd love to pitch it to you' as I'm yet to see this work.

What is true 99% of the time is the idea of how tough it is to reappear once you have appeared. First and lasting impressions are easier when you get it right from the start. Fact-finding it is. Before the event, research the cause, check out the organizers, and if possible, the guest list too. Knowing the key players and understanding the mission of the fundraising event can help you tailor your conversations; and keep you in power and in play more than you can control. Learn to float, and the water will carry you. Doing your research gives you flow, and flow creates engagement and even likability on many levels. Few things beat preparation.

If you want to « fundraise » All of the above ideas are mechanical, check list of subpar outreaching. Anyone can do this. If you want to raise funds, it requires looking for the « adjacent possible » in every relationship you come across. It’s art. Not a science.

Be creative. This calls for you to customise your pitch and use visual presentation accompanied by a powerful story to deliver your pitch. Financiers love to know that they are impacting lives regardless of the discpline you are fundraising on.

It entirely depends on the audience but the main way to leave a lasting impression is to just be yourself. Networking events are a great opportunity to build your contacts list so you probably won't generate income directly from these events. However by being yourself and exhibiting the aspects of your personality that make you unique will help you stand out. Even more so, many people expect you to go in with a pitch: know your charity and what you have to offer but you'll be remembered more for how you present yourself.

As someone who has attended numerous events and worked closely with VC firms, I’ve learned that authenticity is key. Here’s my advice for making a lasting impression at fundraising events: Be Genuine: Investors are more than just potential funding sources. They’re people with their own interests and experiences. Instead of seeing them as money opportunities, approach them as individuals. Research and understand what value you can bring to the table. Share Something Personal: When introducing yourself, go beyond the standard elevator pitch. Mention something personal that they can relate to. After all, investors hear countless pitches throughout the day. Standing out means connecting on a human level.

One thing I have found helpful is to remember that your targeted donors are humans, but not ATMs. Never put money forward. Instead build strong relationships, the rest shall naturally follow!

Quality over quantity! I always stress with staff and Board "assignments" that 3-5 quality conversations and meaningful connections are much more valuable to building authentic donor relationships than providing your entire top sponsor/donor list and asking folks to meet as many as possible. Everyone involved will feel more fulfilled and have something to share from the conversation.

In my experience, overtly opportunistic networking that demands immediate results rarely works. At the least, invest in building alliances, if not deep relationships. Think of it as process as well as output.

Networking is designed to open the door to new connections. It is not an open door to ask for business or money. People connect and do business and donate to people and organizations they know. Networking is deep and just the beginning of a new relationship. It is an opportunity to develop something bigger and long term. Listen more than you speak and always be genuine.

In events like these, my advice is to be a good listener. Ask open-ended questions, allowing others to share their experiences. Foster an atmosphere where mutual sharing can take place, creating a stronger bond between you and the others participants.

Emails are fine to deal with the mechanics of follow up but never forget that nothing ever beats a personal hand-written message of thanks to follow up that business email. Increasingly rare to see these days but still carries incredible weight.

I believe in energy. The momentum you created in any room comes with inherent lifespan that is at its height in the first seven days after the event. You rented a place in their heads on event day, but what you do after is what will make you own that place beyond rent. Jump on the contact information you collected, and send personalized follow-up messages within 24-48 hours. Mention specific details from your conversation to remind them of the connection you made. This step is crucial in converting brief encounters into lasting relationships. You will work to keep the relationship alive by engaging: social media, sharing relevant articles, or inviting them to future events. Regular, value-added interactions will solidify your connection.

In any network the magic comes from the follow-up, use networking events to meet people then follow up as soon as possible. The goal of this is to create opportunities to deepen the relationship and help potential supporters learn more about your organisation and its work, the ask itself should almost come naturally as they get more interested and engaged with your work. One of the best strategies is to invite potential funders, company directors, high/medium net-worth individuals etc. to visit and see your work in action. If this isn't possible, try to share case studies and key facts/figures about your work. It can take multiple invites or communications to convert a prospect to a donor, so don't give up, equally don't overwhelm them.

Conducting thorough research about the event and its participants will provide valuable insights, enabling you to engage more effectively during the event. Once there, be prepared for your pitch, focusing on making a lasting first impression. After the event, use the contacts you've gathered to follow up, expressing gratitude and exploring potential collaborations.

Follow-up is the game changer for sure. If you cannot follow-up then why even bother attending the events? The whole purpose is to network, get to know people and understand their work and who they are. However, that being said, the real work happens when the event is over, and you have to follow up. Send a note card, it's very easy to do.

Touch base with ALL attendees in the 24-48 hours following an event, whether that is a thank you note, phone call, and/or a video from the beneficiaries thanking them for their support. As you gauge interest in each conversation, set up a coffee meeting a couple weeks after the event.

I advise that the strategy for follow up after an event is as important as the event itself. It's the first step to cementing the relationship with people who have encountered your organisation and your work. Very important to remember.

Stay connected with your contacts by sending regular updates, invitations, or appreciation notes. Share relevant information and opportunities, and engage them. Nurturing relationships over time increases the chances of referrals, donations, and collaborations.

I will also add generally that you should always show up appropriately. Your attire should match the event's dress code. It’s the smart way for showing respect for the occasion and helps you fit in with the crowd, making it easier to engage. Then, know that people connect with stories more than facts; so share relevant, personal stories that tie back to the cause or your professional journey. This emotional connection can make your interactions more powerful, penetrative and memorable. And don’t forget to make it a point to remember and use people's names during your conversation. It's a simple technique that makes people feel valued and helps in building rapport.

See if you can identify an interest of the person, so that you can follow up with information or an invitation. Be sure to exchange business cards, or how to reach the new person. And give them your card.

Make your presentation something that the audience understands by incorporating real life situations from those in need of, or who have benefited from your services. Give your presentation a human quality by example.

Fundraising is about relationships. It's often best not to make a direct ask (unless the event is set up for exactly this and then it's not really 'networking'). Instead, focus on conversation to help build connections, and understand other's aims and desired outcomes. As others have said the magic is in the follow-up. You're not looking to leave with a donation, albeit that would be nice, what you really want is an 'in' for a further conversation, an idea of 'others' interests and where these might fit with your organisation and its goals then you can 'court' them after the event.

Always remember this quote: "First impression lasts." In such events, you will meet new people, so it's crucial to be well-prepared and make a positive impression.