You have multiple networking events on the same day. How do you decide which one to attend?

When faced with multiple networking opportunities, you have to have crystal clear professional goals. Do you wish to find potential clients, meet industry leaders, or acquire knowledge about the latest trends? Knowing what you aim to achieve will help you evaluate each event's potential to serve your objectives. If one event is more aligned with your current priorities, such as being industry-specific or featuring a keynote speaker you've been eager to hear from, it could be the smarter choice. Always prioritize events that are most likely to help you reach your short-term and long-term professional milestones.

When you are being bombarded with a situation where you have to choose a networking opportunity over others, always go for the relevant one... One that aligns with your goals. One that will help you achieve your dreams.

Always have a purpose as to why you're planning to attend an event. The event itself may be irrelevant to your industry, but there's someone there that you need to meet of which then would actually make it relative to your career. It all depends on what you're trying to get out of it and/or trying to contribute to.

Networking is simply connecting with people who can actually impact your career growth. It's paramount to review the list of attendees or companies that will be present. If there are specific individuals or organizations you've been wanting to connect with, choose the event where they'll be. Sometimes, the chance to meet a particular influencer or decision-maker can outweigh the benefits of other events. Consider the quality of networking opportunities, the ones that aligns with your networking strategy.

Yo decidiría por el evento en donde voy a poder conocer, conectar con contactos que tengan el ayor impacto en mi objetivo. Dependiendo de la calidad de particpantes es como decidiría.

For personal growth, the event can have a great motivational speaker or breakout session that will really help you develop. Or maybe the event is "out of your comfort zone" and so attending it will push you to be more extroverted, meet new people, etc. Definitely look at the event and see what area of your life it can impact, because personal growth is critical.

Sometimes, multiple events overlap, and it happens. Remember you don't have to be at each event from the beginning till the end. It's okay to leave after 30 or 45 minutes and move on to the next event. We can't meet everyone, and sometimes, showing your face is greatly appreciated. Just be sure to inform the organizers that you will either come in late or let them know you're leaving early. And remember to tell them when you're leaving. It's not mandatory, but a gentleman or lady doesn't just leave a party without thanking the host or hostess.

Make sure you follow up and more importantly plan for it. You may meet a lot of people but there may not be much follow up because there's no more substance there. If there's a way to get a list or an idea of who will be there, that will help determine the follow up and if you should go.

Networking can be done more effectively virtually and personally over the phone or a video conference, saving time, resources, and energy. It is more targeted and focused as it requires purpose and clarity before entering into a communication. Follow-up personal meetings should be a privilege as they require much more time and effort in terms of logistics, time, and expenses. Do not fall into the trap of being fearful of missing out. You are more valued and respected if your time is scarce than attending every event and function.