How can you use virtual events to network and share your expertise?

Be strategic about the events you choose! At some events I was able to connect with great people who provided value for my business. Other events were not a great fit. Determine your #1 goal: Networking, leads, thought leadership positioning,... Look for 3-5 events per year for each of your goals. And then just go for it! If that was useful for you, feel free to connect/follow and we can exchange our ideas on thought leadership!

Set clear goals from the start. ... Choose the right platform to host your virtual event. ... Choose the right time for your event. ... Promote your virtual event. ... Develop a clear agenda that includes speakers and timeframes. ... Include moderators at your event. ... Engage your audience. ... Prepare to troubleshoot.

Choose Relevant Events: Select virtual events aligned with your industry, interests, and professional goals. Create a Strong Online Presence: Ensure your social media profiles, especially LinkedIn, are updated and reflect your expertise. Engage in Virtual Networking: Participate actively in virtual networking sessions. Utilize features like chat, Q&A, and breakout rooms to connect with other attendees. Prepare an Elevator Pitch: Craft a concise and compelling elevator pitch that highlights your expertise. Host or Participate in Webinars: Offer to host a webinar or participate as a speaker to showcase your knowledge. Share insights, case studies, or practical tips relevant to your expertise.

The online landscape has made it far easier than ever to showcase your thought leadership. Companies and organizations are turning to Virtual Summits more than ever. Find folks and companies you'd like to speak to and inquire about their next virtual summit or webinar. It is a perfect place for you to thrive. The best way to find the right event is to determine the audience you want to impact and make sure the event has those folks in it.

Sure, the act of pitching is important at the end of your presentation but the most important piece is to focus on delivering value and keeping the audience engaged. The nature of virtual speeches creates challenges to keep audience members engaged so focus primarily on that and then give them a no-brainer offer at the end, even if it is to follow you or join your email list. I would suggest you give them a bonus, something for free, or something unique solely tailored to the group you are speaking to so they know they are cared for beyond whomever you speak to in a given week or month.

Aproveitar o formato virtual para compartilhar seus contatos e, em especial, suas redes sociais corporativas (como o LinkedIn ou site da empresa) pode ser a chave para ampliar o networking de uma maneira simples e direta. Novas oportunidades de participação em eventos ou mesmo o recebimento genuíno de feedbacks também podem partir dessa simples ação.

Including the audience is super key with online events. Ask people to put their phones aside, turn their cameras on, and engage. Have them answer in the chat with a 1 or 2 to show engagement and offer them to raise their hand while on the screen. This is effective to keep those interested in your presentation when it is easy for their mind to wander beyond the computer screen.

This is something most people do not do enough. The money is always in the follow up. It is very key to have a way to keep the conversation with attendees. Gain their social accounts or email addresses and make sure to keep in touch right after the event so you are top of mind. This will help to convert to a higher level of sales and trust with the audience.

Focus solely on what makes you, YOU. After all, being a "thought leader" is to be someone with original thoughts or a new angle to look at things. If you are sharing known advice from others you won't help yourself to be seen as unique and as a thought leader. So don't forget this crucial piece.