Virtual events are here to stay — and they’re an opportunity, not a compromise. For mid-career professionals, the goal is relationship quality, not quantity. This guide covers specific tactics to maximize virtual networking ROI.
1) Prepare a concise, role-focused intro
Create a 20–30 second intro: name, job title, core value, and what you’re looking for. Keep it problem/benefit-focused.
Template:
“Hi, I’m Maria Lopez, Senior Product Manager specializing in SaaS onboarding. I help reduce time-to-value for new users. I’m exploring product leadership opportunities or projects focused on onboarding optimization.”
2) Use event features strategically
- Chat: Ask insightful questions publicly to get noticed.
- Breakouts: Volunteer to share an example or offer to swap contact info.
- Speaker Q&A: Ask short, substantive questions that mention your experience.
3) Targeted reach-outs — quality over volume
After the event, pick 3 people you genuinely want to connect with:
- Reference the event and the point they made.
- Offer a small value exchange: share an article, invite to a follow-up call, suggest a tool.
Example message:
“Hi Alex — enjoyed your point about cohort onboarding during today’s panel. I ran a similar pilot that increased activation; happy to share notes if you’d find them useful.”
4) Follow up with a purpose
Turn conversations into actionable next steps:
- Share an article, a short case study, or an intro to someone else.
- Schedule a 20-minute coffee chat (async calendars make this easy).
5) Maintain relationships
- Add value monthly: quick articles, congratulations on promotions, or a useful introduction.
- Use a simple CRM (Airtable, Notion) to track conversations and follow-ups.
Virtual networking favors clarity and follow-through. Practice your intro, pick 3 meaningful connections per event, and follow up within 48 hours. Want a template pack for intros and follow-ups? Download the free kit.
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