#Networking #ConferenceTips #ClientRelations
Hey everyone! 🌟
I’ve got a bit of a dilemma that I’d love your input on. This week, there’s a big conference coming up—think hundreds of companies and a bustling venue for five whole days! I’m meeting one of my long-term retainer clients there, and while I truly value them, I’m really hoping to make some new connections to grow my client roster. Here’s the scoop:
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Current Client Sitch: I’ve been their marketing guy for a year, and it’ll be our first time meeting face-to-face. I absolutely want to spend some quality time with them and offer help at their booth.
- Networking Goals: As much as I want to support them, I also have my own agenda. I need to break away and connect with other potential clients if I’m going to make the most of this event.
Now, here’s where my worry kicks in:
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Will my current client feel weird or even offended if they see me chatting with other companies? 😟
- Am I overthinking it, or does this scenario come off as a bit rude?
I mean, I’m not technically their employee—I’m a long-term contractor without any obligation to hang around at their booth all day. But I definitely don’t want to burn any bridges!
So, what do you all think? Have any of you been in a similar situation? How do you balance being present for your existing clients while also working to attract new ones? Your experiences and tips would be super helpful!
Looking forward to hearing your thoughts! 💬
Nope not at all. Dont worryÂ
From the psycological stand point is benefitial if you do it with the right strategy, because make them feel that you are in high demand.
Nope, the main point of these events is networking. You are hoping for new clients, they are hoping for new business. It’s all the same. Benefit is you both get to be there and touch base with each other.
It might also be a detriment to help the booth and unwanted. So I would keep caution on that. They might feel like you are lingering around their booth more than being a help.
It sounds like you are fine from the context you laid out.
Are the companies you are pitching your services to in the same industry/a direct competitor of your current client? If your client was in a very niche industry, they might not want you offering your services to their direct competitor. But from what you laid out it sounds all good for you to try to get more business.
Just make sure , you attend your meeting in such a way that your other clients don’t feel that you will delay the delivery of your service and make sure to show your other clients, that you have options and you are wanted in the industry
Instances like this involves creating a bigger, we all want to get connected to other and create more opportunities.
Not rude, maybe just excuse yourself real quick and exchange cards with the other prospect. Most of the activity at conferences is exchanging information anyways.