Attending conferences all year round, do you know how to network efficiently?

In this crypto world of "overwhelming private messages and anonymous accounts," the value of real offline interaction is severely underestimated.

Written by: Carlitosway

Translated by: Luffy, Foresight News

What people remember is your aura, not your presentation. As long as you master the right way to participate, you don't need to chase opportunities—they will come to you. Here are the specific correct approaches.

TLDR

• Make plans in advance, but leave room for spontaneity
• Dress neatly and appropriately, show your true self, avoid overdressing or being sloppy
• Take the initiative to take photos together, get consent before posting, and follow up promptly afterward
• Use NFC tools or QR codes to make sharing contact information smoother
• Talk less, listen more, and ask deeper questions
• Avoid overselling; instead, skillfully spark others' interest
• Show genuine interest in others—people remember how you make them feel
• Create related content before, during, and after the event
• Rent a villa with friends rather than staying alone in a hotel
• Participate in side events rather than focusing only on the main venue

Prepare Before Departure

Update your personal profile. One week before the event, update your profile and mention your destination. This shows your intentions and opens up your network. Proactively ask friends if they are attending, send private messages, or interact via public comments. These small interactions often lay the foundation for subsequent offline exchanges.

Register for the main event, but also pay attention to side events: dinners, parties, private gatherings, sports events. True deep social contexts are often formed in these settings.

If possible, book private accommodation with friends. Sharing a villa can become your social headquarters, making it easy to invite others over; hosting small dinners or gatherings builds trust much faster than just sending private messages or making phone calls.

Dress and Act Naturally and Appropriately

You don't need to overdress, but if you dress like an ordinary person, people will think you are ordinary. Don't walk around in head-to-toe LV, don't wear a hoodie stained with drink spills, and a suit is not necessary either.

Stay mobile—offline social opportunities are often scattered throughout the city and require you to actively seek them out. If your schedule is too rigid, you'll miss out on unexpected surprises.

If you're like me and occasionally wander from a side venue to a bar a little tipsy, that's totally fine—just don't do what I did in Lisbon in 2023 and touch a freshly painted artwork. That little incident led me to meet GratefulApe_eth, who still teases me about it to this day.

Make Good Use of Tools to Create a Good Impression

Bring an NFC card or QR code. With a simple tap, people can get your X, Telegram, and all the information you want to share.

After taking a photo with someone, proactively send it to them via private message. This is the simplest and most personable way to follow up, and it helps you remember "who is who."

If the other person has not disclosed their identity, be sure to get their consent before posting the photo. Most people in the circle know what StarPlatinumSOL looks like, but for someone like Wale, who is highly recognizable by voice but remains anonymous, you need to respect this information asymmetry.

The Art of Conversation

Don't start by pitching. Open the conversation with a question—"What do you think about... (an industry trend/event topic)" is more effective than "I'm working on... (project introduction)." Your goal is not to impress, but to connect, and connection stems from curiosity.

Show genuine interest in others. Let the other person speak more first, guiding them to ask about you. A high-quality conversation is like an open thread—you can use it as an opportunity to reconnect weeks later. If you want to talk about your project, approach it from a relevant angle, such as, "What we're working on might complement your current work."

Leverage Your Strengths: Different Strategies for Introverts and Extroverts

Introverts can have deep conversations with others. Find a quiet corner and listen to what the other person has to say. When people feel valued, they open up. As for extroverts? Just be yourself, energetic and free, remember people's names, and enjoy introducing friends to new acquaintances.

Both roles are extremely valuable—the key is not to pretend. Being authentic is always more attractive than forcing yourself to be outgoing.

Stage or Brand

If you're giving a speech, don't just read from slides or notes—speak freely, as if you're telling a friend how you built something. If needed, rehearse, but make sure it sounds unrehearsed.

When exhibiting as a company, focus on conveying your brand culture. Prepare a concise introduction that can be understood in 20 seconds. Don't bore your audience—this is your chance to win loyal users!

Strengthen Memory: Balance Recording and Experience

Document your experiences. Create content, but don't overshare. If the content is valuable, post it in real time and reflect on it later.

Most importantly: don't just focus on networking—enjoy the host city. Take walks, try local food, experience jet skiing, or, like I did during Token2049 in Dubai, spontaneously join a desert trip.

Many people get exhausted from over-networking midway through the event and end up missing the second wave of activities. But the real magic of networking often happens at these later-stage occasions.

Situational Awareness: Implicit Social Skills

If the person you want to talk to is already in conversation or has a long line in front of them, don't hover or wait awkwardly like queuing at a food truck. Go to other activities first and find another opportunity to connect later.

Observing calmly always wins more favor than pushing impatiently.

Authenticity Matters More Than Intentionality

Authentic moments of interaction far outweigh deliberately designed scenarios. Special thanks to @LeonAbboud_, who has proven the power of consistently staying authentic through his actions. You never know who is watching you, but as long as you show your true self, others will remember you and approach you proactively.

Summary and Reflection

I have attended events like NFC Paris, NFT Paris, Token2049, and more. Each time, I gain new friends, job offers, cooperation opportunities, and a stronger sense of belonging in the industry.

In this crypto world of "overwhelming private messages and anonymous accounts," the value of real offline interaction is severely underestimated. Your social network is actually your invisible wealth. Just don't forget—enjoying the process is equally important.

Extra Reminder: Dos and Don'ts

What to do:

• Update your social platform profile before the event
• Bring smart contact tools (NFC card / QR code)
• Compliment others' work before mentioning your own project
• Ask more questions, listen more
• Use group photos to help remember people
• Stay hydrated (especially when drinking alcohol)
• Say others' names out loud to remember them

What not to do:

• Pitch yourself or your project too early or too aggressively
• Interrupt others' conversations
• Post photos of anonymous people without permission
• Hover and wait to talk when others are obviously busy
• Brag about your project without any background context
• Drink excessively (unless you can be sure to stay composed)