Five Tips To Take You to the Next Level in Top Network Shows
Kicking your heels and throwing some low-level employee business cards after a fruitless networking event is no fun; I’ve been there many times! Fortunately, there are people who have mastered the art of networking who can provide us with valuable insights. Frustrated with my own experience, I made a decision to ask an expert on how a wealthy working woman could take her networking skills to the next level. According to Mark Gold, there are 5 golden rules for being a brilliant link. Gold, Chief Marketing Officer at TOTO Global Ventures (global division of TOTO IMAGES) and serial super connector has over ten years experience in development and networking at high end events. His personal business contacts include Vice Presidents of Goldman Sachs and Merrill Lynch. He regularly associates with C-level executives and international decision makers. In the last 3 months alone, Gold has established working relationships with foreign government agencies in Israel and China.
Beyond networking, Gold gives us an insight into the thinking of event organizers. Gold’s recent project events include the Smart Marketer Summit, in partnership with Wix.com, the 13th Russian Heritage Month, in partnership with the New York Post, the WMC Shangahi Digital Health Summit in collaboration with the China Connected Health Alliance, and the illustrious Marketing Week NYC, in collaboration with the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce.
This week Gold is attending a high-profile event where he will meet executives from Microsoft, Uber, AirBnb, Ogilvy & Mather, Crain’s Business, Forbes and lots of more. He advises everybody to use Marketing Week as a launching pad and extends an invitation to any prosperous individual who wants to get ahead!
Gold’s decades of experience developing high-end events and networking with well-known individuals make him an expert at “growth hacking” over networking.
Thanks to just one networking event last month, he secured a prime venue space on Wall St, arranged for his company’s CEO to be the keynote speaker at a global Investor Summit, received full sponsorship for a private event at the Trump Hotel Rooftop, and a free ($15,000 value) corporate photoshoot. The super Gold connector strategy really works! Its five golden rules can offer you free VIP access to high-profile events, point you directly to the most influential individuals, and offer you strategies on how to best leverage these new connections moving forward!
Interview section
5 Rules For Hacking Network Shows: Interview with “Super Connector” Mark Gold
1. Use Leverage To Break Through
Question: How does one identify and attend high-profile events on a work budget?
Sign: You must take advantage to break through. For example, I called the organizer of a private event for Venture Capitalists called “Series A Demo Day”, and asked for 2 free VIP tickets, worth $300, so I could bring Chinese VCs and introduce them to Start-UPS. I used my China contacts as leverage to receive free passes, and used my free passes as leverage to grow my relationship with Chinese VCs. Since then, the three of us have developed a good business relationship and that I have met several high-ranking officials who have also opened international doors for me.
2. Choose Quality over Quantity
Question: How do you identify famous individuals at networking events?
Sign: Look for people who do not need to impress anyone. They generally hide their name tags and have interaction in small talk around the food and drink area. They are normally very serious and sometimes lack an inviting smile. Be a go-getter, and aim for quality! Better to connect with 1 decision maker than 100 low level partners.
3. Being Vague, Yet Knowledgeable
Question: How do you attract and impress famous people at these events?
Sign: To attract high profile individuals, I act like one. I’m generally very calm and exude a serious businessman air. I do not walk around laughing and drawing attention to myself. During a conversation, it is best to be vague, but knowledgeable. You can discuss current events, high-profile cases and massive brands you work with, all obscure. Impress with brief insights and do not get too impressed with yourself. Don’t look for a reaction; just say it like it is no big deal and instantly ask about them: “I’m having an event at Microsoft next week with Uber, what are you doing?” Make sure it is correct and when asked about details of your project, express insight into industry issues and not the actual work. Leave them wanting more.
4. Stop Pitching, Start Building
Question: What is your mindset on these events and what should that mindset be?
Sign: If you want a home run, stop throwing! First, you need to change your mindset. You’re not there to make sales, you are there to develop genuine long-term relationships based on your ability to generate value for decision makers! Just consider it, people are continuously, every day, asking for help from important people. That’s why I do not ask for help, I provide hands-on help, and it lets people know I understand how to play the game. So people need to stop pitching at these events and begin building long term relationships by developing the habit of giving!
5. It’s All About Giving
Question: How do you follow up post event and stay relevant?
Sign: You should e-mail the contact the next day or within a week – depending on your availability. You should make your e-mail subject line say “Follow Up from XYZ event” and use Sidekick Hub Spot to see if they open it. Content in emails should be minimal. Refer to the event, skip the pleasantries, and lend your digital hand by offering an invitation to another VIP event or something you think they might have an interest in. Do your homework on their industry, their company, and see if your invite aligns with their current strategy. The closer you get to home, the more valuable you are. The bottom line is: high-profile individuals (CEOs, Presidents, Directors, etc.) need to see value in you, so you must give and nurture before you can ask for anything in return.
