Before the Meetup
- Research Attendees: Use LinkedIn or other platforms to identify potential contacts who share your interests or work in similar areas.
- Prepare Talking Points: Have a clear idea of what you want to discuss. Highlight your company, its products or services, and any specific areas of interest you have within the Red Hat ecosystem.
- Practice Your Elevator Pitch: A concise and engaging introduction can help you make a strong first impression.
- Bring Business Cards: Ensure you have plenty of high-quality business cards to distribute.
- Set Goals: Determine what you hope to achieve from the meetup, whether it's building relationships, seeking partnerships, or learning about new technologies.
During the Meetup
- Be Approachable: Smile, make eye contact, and maintain an open body posture to encourage conversations.
- Active Listening: Pay attention to what others are saying and show genuine interest in their ideas.
- Ask Thoughtful Questions: Demonstrate your engagement and knowledge by asking insightful questions.
- Exchange Contact Information: Politely ask for contact details if you have a productive conversation.
- Follow Up: After the meetup, send a brief email to the people you met, thanking them for their time and reiterating your interest in connecting further.
Post-Meetup
After a successful Red Hat Summit networking meet, it's important to follow up and maintain the connections you've made. Here are some activities to consider:
1. Send Personalised Thank-You Notes:
- Within 24 hours: Send a brief email to each person you met, thanking them for their time and expressing your appreciation for the conversation.
- Reference specific details: Mention something specific you discussed to show that you were paying attention.
2. Connect on Social Media:
- LinkedIn: Send connection requests to people you met, and add a personalized note referencing your conversation.
- Follow their companies: Show continued interest by following their companies or organizations on social media.