The law firm of choice for internationally focused companies

+263 242 744 677

admin@tsazim.com

4 Gunhill Avenue,

Harare, Zimbabwe

Conquering Conferences: Enjoying Small Victories – Above the Law



Ed.
note
:
This
is
the
latest
in
a
series
providing
a
comprehensive
guide
to
networking
at
conferences. Read
the
previous
installment
here


In
this
part
of
our
“Conquering
Conferences”
series,
we
focus
on
embracing
the
small
victories
and
soothing
the
inevitable
nerves
of
networking.


As
the
final
song
plays
in
our
metaphorical
ballroom,
let’s
reflect
on
the
steps
taken
and
the
rhythm
found.


Embracing
Small
Wins 


Conferences,
much
like
a
high
school
dance,
can
stir
a
whirlpool
of
emotions,
including
anxiety
and
nervousness.


But
just
like
in
any
dance,
it’s
the
small
steps
and
the
individual
moments
that
create
the
most
memorable
experiences.


Celebrating
Every
Step


  • Each
    interaction,
    whether
    it’s
    a
    brief
    chat
    or
    a
    longer
    discussion,
    is
    a
    step
    forward
    in
    the
    dance
    of
    networking.
    Acknowledge
    these
    moments
    as
    successes
    in
    their
    own
    right.

  • Just
    like
    learning
    a
    dance
    routine,
    the
    first
    steps
    are
    often
    the
    hardest.
    Give
    yourself
    credit
    for
    every
    attempt
    to
    connect,
    no
    matter
    the
    outcome.


Keeping
the
Rhythm
Light


  • Networking
    is
    not
    about
    flawless
    performances
    or
    winning
    a
    popularity
    contest.
    It’s
    about
    finding
    your
    own
    rhythm
    and
    enjoying
    the
    process
    of
    meeting
    new
    people.

  • If
    the
    dance
    floor
    of
    networking
    feels
    overwhelming,
    remember
    it’s
    okay
    to
    take
    a
    break.
    Step
    aside,
    catch
    your
    breath,
    and
    rejoin
    when
    you’re
    ready.


Soothing
the
Stage
Fright


  • Feelings
    of
    anxiety
    are
    common
    in
    these
    settings.
    Use
    calming
    techniques
    like
    deep
    breathing
    or
    focusing
    on
    the
    present
    moment
    to
    steady
    your
    nerves.

  • Set
    manageable
    goals
    for
    yourself.
    Whether
    it’s
    initiating
    a
    conversation
    with
    at
    least
    three
    people
    or
    simply
    attending
    a
    particular
    session,
    these
    small
    objectives
    can
    make
    the
    overall
    experience
    more
    rewarding
    and
    less
    daunting.


Looking
Back
on
Your
Performance


  • After
    the
    conference,
    reflect
    on
    your
    interactions.
    Each
    one
    is
    a
    learning
    opportunity
    and
    a
    step
    toward
    becoming
    more
    at
    ease
    in
    networking
    scenarios.

  • Celebrate
    the
    connections
    you
    made,
    no
    matter
    how
    small.
    Networking
    is
    a
    skill
    that
    improves
    with
    practice,
    and
    every
    conference
    is
    a
    chance
    to
    refine
    your
    approach
    and
    build
    confidence.


Having
celebrated
our
small
wins
and
navigated
the
emotional
landscape
of
networking,
it’s
time
to
look
at
some
common
missteps
to
avoid.
Next
up,
we’ll
add
a
touch
of
humor
to
our
series
by
exploring
a
few
networking
faux
pas.


Enjoying
Small
Wins


✔️ Recognize
and
celebrate
each
interaction,
no
matter
how
brief.
✔️ 
Practice
calming
techniques
to
manage
anxiety
and
nervousness.
✔️ 
Set
achievable
goals
for
networking
and
acknowledge
your
efforts.
✔️ 
Reflect
on
your
experiences
and
learn
from
them,
building
confidence
over
time.




Sejal PatelSejal Patel is
the Founder
of
Sage
Ivy
,
a
New
York-based
consultancy
specializing
in
empowering
attorneys
with
innovative
practice
development
strategies.
With
over
20
years
of
experience,
Sejal
applies
her
expertise
in
assisting
clients
convert
their
relationships
into
revenue
by
applying
individualized
strategies
to
their
networks
and
leveraging
their
unique
styles
authentically.