Tips for attending a Telecoms event
Telecoms events are ten a penny, but if you want to keep your finger on the pulse, you have to attend one every once in a while.
Handled properly, the right telecoms event can help you to promote your business, find your next investment opportunity, learn more about an emerging sector, hire (or be hired), and spot new trends in the market.
But the same events are also packed with distractions, competitors and – let’s be honest – some boring seminars. If you’re going to be productive, you have to plan ahead.
You only have a few days to accomplish your goals, so stay focused and get involved
Whether you are attending as a buyer or a seller, you can definitely get your money’s worth from your next telecoms event…as long as you arrive with the right attitude and the right expectations.
We have compiled a list of our “hacks for attending a Telecoms event” …. Who knows – you might even enjoy yourself!
1. Make a plan
Before you’ve even set off for the event, invest some time in putting together a plan that outlines your goals. For instance, if you are a buyer, your goal may be to add a few new names to your supplier list. If you are a seller, your goal may be to pitch a new product to the biggest companies in attendance.
When you know what you want to achieve through the event, you can get a bit more technical: how are you going to suss out the best suppliers? How are you going to impress these big companies?
If you are a buyer, start by making a wish list of the three main problems you face with your suppliers, and ask each new contact how they would deal with these. Write down their responses – and any other interesting data – so that you don’t lose track of contacts as the hours and days go on.
If you are a seller, arrive at the event armed to the teeth with data and solutions for your target client base. You should never be stuck without an answer to a question. If you are lucky enough to have a meeting with a potential client, you’d better be able to make every single minute count.
As a general rule, before attending an event make sure you are up to speed on the latest industry news and developments so you don’t appear to be out of the loop.
2. Meeting planning
Pre-event planning – sign up early for the event if you have the option. Most events have a “attendees” list once you have signed up, so regardless of whether you are buying or selling make it a policy to review that list at least once a week prior to the event, and then daily in the week leading up (remember that most people do only sign up in the final days!). That way you can get your meetings in the calendars of your targets, whether you are buying or selling, before their time slots fill up.
Speak to your colleagues; is there anyone they recommend that you should speak to on the attendees list – friends, ex-colleagues or contacts? Ask for an introduction – it’s always the best way to get to see someone
3. Catch up with old friends
Industry events are always a good opportunity to catch up with old friends and colleagues and find out what they’re up to. Don’t feel guilty for spending time with familiar faces – use it as a chance to ‘network for the future’. Find out where they are working and what they are doing there, and whether or not there may be any jobs coming up in their organisations. Just don’t tell your boss…!
4. Explore your surroundings
The Telecoms Event calendar is extremely competitive and the venues are becoming more and more elaborate. Five star hotels are practically a given at this point, but the more exclusive events will hire a ranch or a luxury retreat complete with in-house catering, accommodation and activities.
Of course, there is an ulterior motive – they want to keep you isolated and captive so that their sponsors are guaranteed maximum coverage, and guests have ample time to network. But this can also work to your advantage. In an intimate environment, you can forge real relationships with new contacts, away from the high-pressure pitch meetings and panel discussions.
Walk the grounds, take part in any activities and make use of the facilities. Even if you don’t bump into Sergey Brin during your morning hike, at least you’ll be able to put your network coverage to the test!
5. Stay focused
Remember that plan you made before the event? Stick to it. You only have a few days to accomplish your goals, so stay focused and get involved. Make a list of (realistic) daily objectives each morning and make these your priority. If you are there to sell, then sell. If you are there to network, then network. Recognise that the two things are sometimes the same.
Don’t forget that the seminars themselves are some of the best ways in which to identify and understand future industry trends.
6. Keep an open mind
While you will have your own objectives for the event, don’t forget to enjoy yourself and allow yourself to go off-schedule if something interesting or unusual comes up. If you are too single-minded in your approach to these events, you may miss the chance to learn about a vital new trend in the industry or an exciting new opportunity that really is perfect for your company.
Conclusion
Keep an open mind and be willing to learn about new things – that’s how the moguls get ahead!
Temforce is a provider of Telecom Category Management SaaS enabling teams to boost their Telecom Management!
Click here to read about the six clauses you should always add to your telecoms contracts.