Building bonds through meetings & events
Ahhh group hug!
How well-planned and executed events can help build relationships
In today’s business world, relationships are everything.
Whether you’re trying to close a deal with a new client, land a new job, or simply stay ahead of the competition, you need to have strong relationships with your colleagues, suppliers, and clients.
One great way to build relationships is through meetings and events. Well-planned and executed meetings and events can provide a unique opportunity to connect with people on a personal level, learn more about them and their businesses, and build trust.
How do you measure success?
What you count as a win is really up to you to decide as part of your planning process. Discussion of your objectives should happen in advance and with all interested parties to ensure everyone is on the same page.
Personal Connections
Meetings and events provide a chance to connect with people on a personal level. When you’re at an event, you’re not just talking about business. You’re also getting to know people on a personal level. This can help to build trust and rapport, which are essential for building strong relationships.
Business Insights
Meetings and events also give you a chance to learn more about people’s businesses. At an event, you can ask questions about people’s businesses and learn more about their challenges and goals. This information can help you to better understand how you can help them, which can lead to stronger relationships.
Community Spirit
Meetings and events create a sense of community among people who share common interests. This can help to build relationships, creating a network of support and encouraging people to be open. You can develop your own personal network and it’s a good opportunity to increase your brands reach through social networks too.
How to…
This all sounds great! But how do you actually plan a meeting or event that will help to really build and develop those bonds of a successful business relationship? Well, we’re glad you asked…
1. Choose the right event
There are many different types of events that you can host, so it’s important to choose one that is appropriate for your target audience.
For example, if you’re trying to build relationships with potential clients, then you might want to host a networking event, breakfast briefing, or even a trade show.
2. Set clear goals
Before you start planning your event, take some time to think about what you want to achieve. How will you track “relationship building” – does that mean more leads into the sales funnel? Not necessarily. But you might want to formalise what qualifies as relationship building to you.
3. Promote
This may seem obvious, but you need to actually invite people that you want to build relationships with. There’s no point having an incredible event running that people would love if they don’t actually turn up! A little incentive can go a long way too, so you might consider thought-leader presentations, free gifts to attendees or putting on a nice spread.
4. Follow up
Probably the most important step and one that is often overlooked or not given the right amount of attention – after your event, be sure to follow up with attendees. This will help to keep the conversation going and to build relationships. You can follow up with attendees by sending them a thank-you note, connecting with them on social media, or inviting them to future events.
By following these tips, you can plan an event that will help you to build relationships with your colleagues, suppliers, and clients.
One final thing to remember if one of your main aims is to build bonds with or amongst your event attendees – make sure you ring-fence time at your event for just that! You don’t want to look back and think how many great relationships there might have been if you had just allowed them time to percolate!
And who knows, you might even make some new friends along the way.
Experience is Everything
The Podcast
Join the Gray Dawes Events team for the Experience if Everything podcast. Each episode we'll be chatting with a different member of the team to get an insight into their experience within the industry and current hot topics in events.
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