Networking at Salesforce events offers invaluable opportunities for career growth and making industry connections, as well as life-long friends. In this article, we’ll explore practical tips to navigate events like Dreamforce and TrailblazerDX successfully.
From crafting engaging elevator pitches to leveraging social media and participating in community-led activities, these strategies will empower you to make meaningful connections and maximize the value of your interactions. Whether you’re a seasoned attendee or new to Salesforce events, mastering these networking tips will ensure you leave with a network that propels your career forward.
1. Plan Your Agenda
“What does planning your agenda have to do with networking?”, I hear you ask… A quick Google for “networking tips” will often tell you to perfect your elevator pitch in advance. The phrase “elevator pitch” makes me cringe; it sounds so contrived and formulaic but it’s not actually bad advice.
Instead of a generic elevator pitch, planning your agenda can give you great insight into your role, your goals, what you enjoy (or not!), as well as areas of Salesforce that are unfamiliar to you. Armed with this knowledge, you have a good basis for potential conversation topics (more on this later).
If you find networking anxiety-inducing, planning ahead can also help foster a sense of control so you can relax a bit. Check out the sessions, events, and parties, and add your favorites to your agenda. From there, you can think about who else might be there and what your common interests, passions, and goals are.
2. Create Ice-Breaker Questions
Stuck for ideas? Don’t worry, here are a few suggestions:
- “What brings you to World Tour/TDX/Dreamforce?”
- “What are you most excited to learn about today?”
- “Can you recommend any must-see sessions?”
- “Can you recommend any good parties?”
- “Did you catch the keynote? [Insert product name] looks really cool. What did you think?”
- “What Salesforce products do you use?”
- “What’s your Salesforce role?”
- “As a fellow [insert role], are there any sessions you would recommend?”
- “What industry do you work in?”
- “How long have you used Salesforce/been in the Salesforce ecosystem?”
- “Have you had your photo taken with any of the giant mascots yet?”
- “Do you have any tips for [insert quest name]?”
- “Do you have any tips for newbies?”
And, if all else fails, why not just be honest?
“Hi. It’s my first time at [insert event name]. I don’t know anyone yet and it’s pretty overwhelming! What was your first [insert event name] experience like?”
With any luck, you’ll find another newbie, solo traveler, or someone who will be happy to have a chat and give you some tips or even let you tag along with them.
3. Be Approachable and Engaging
Approach networking opportunities with a positive attitude and a friendly demeanor. Smile, make eye contact, and be genuinely interested in the people you meet. You can engage in meaningful conversations by asking open-ended questions and actively listening to other’s perspectives.
It can be easy to slip into your “serious” face when working/concentrating/watching sessions/walking between sessions. This can inadvertently make you look unapproachable so try to remember to smile as you go about the event. This will make you appear more approachable and welcoming, making it much easier for others to speak to you.
Don’t take it personally if any fellow attendees don’t seem to be interested in having a chat. They may have social anxiety, be rushing to get to a session, or have a packed agenda that leaves no time for networking.
4. Attend Networking Sessions and Parties
Make the most of networking sessions and parties organized as part of the event agenda. These provide structured opportunities to meet like-minded professionals, share experiences, and exchange valuable insights. At the large Salesforce events, you’ll often find additional networking opportunities over breakfast, parties, or meetups aimed at a specific group.
Solo traveller? Look for events and parties aimed at first-time attendees or solo travelers. Lunch is also a great opportunity to spot other people eating alone – you can easily strike up a conversation along the lines of… “My turkey sandwich is great! How’s your lunch?” or “ Would you mind if I sat here?”
5. Diversify Your Interactions
While it’s natural to gravitate toward people who are similar or familiar to you, make an effort to diversify your network. Salesforce events, especially large events like TrailblazerDX or Dreamforce, are once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to engage with individuals from various industries, roles, and backgrounds. This diversity can lead to fresh perspectives and unexpected opportunities.
Final Thoughts
Attending Salesforce events presents an unparalleled opportunity to network with professionals from diverse industries and backgrounds. Don’t feel deterred if your first, second, or third attempts at networking don’t pan out. People are often super busy and rushing between sessions and events. Don’t take it personally and keep trying!
Finally, networking doesn’t end when the event does. After the event, follow up with your new connections via email, LinkedIn, or other social media platforms. Reference your conversation, express your interest in staying in touch, and suggest potential ways to collaborate or share insights.
Heading to TDX?
Stop by the Salesforce Ben Happy Hour at 5 pm on March 7. We’ll be at House of Shields waiting for you with drinks, food, and conversation.