I’ve been to various conferences many times, both in Estonia and abroad, and they have always been industry -specific conferences. During my time in banking, these were mainly Cash Management topics, and for the last few years, of course, HR and Talent Acquisition. These are subjects where I’m completely in my element, people I’m on the same length with, an environment where everything is clear – cozy, safe, and familiar.
But last week, I went to a conference of a completely different nature, a much more general one – Riga Comm, a large business conference about technology and AI. This was a place where, among others, my potential partners and clients gathered.
The decision was sudden, but it turned out to be the right one. For the first time, I arrived at an event not as a specialist participant aiming to gain new knowledge, but as an entrepreneur with a specific task: to find partners, potential clients, and technological solutions for my HR agency.
And this shift in role changed everything. Instead of listening to the usual presentations, I had to focus on finding new contacts specifically for a possible partnership, and that requires a completely different level, different mindset, and different behavior.
How I Networked When I Was Scared
Imagine this: even though I’ve been doing conscious networking for a long time and usually do it easily, this time I felt discomfort again; it wasn’t easy.
The first impulse was to quietly listen to the presentations, drink coffee by the wall, and leave home, supposedly “inspired.” But my goal was different this time, so I kept reminding myself: I’m not just a participant, I want to expand. I have a business, I provide high-quality and highly sought-after services in different markets, and my proposals can be interesting to others.
The event had a matchmaking platform available – many participants had it, but as usual, not everyone uses it. I decided to use it to the fullest. It’s an opportunity to present yourself and your business and schedule meetings right at the conference with those who are interesting to you.
I made a note to myself: don’t analyze for long, don’t be afraid of rejection, don’t judge in advance – just write to those who seem interesting to me.
I sent about 20 requests and held about 12 meetings. A few people replied later, saying they had just seen my request, and proposed an online meeting after the conference.
And I met wonderful, interesting people – we got acquainted, I asked them to tell me more about their business, and I shared information about myself and my agency, talking about where I see opportunities, where synergy might be possible.
After all, people come to such events precisely for this, but it’s easier to hide in a corner than to be active and be heard.
A Few Insights I Want to Share:
– You’re not selling – you’re helping. If you approach communication not as advertising, but as a search for joint growth points, the fear disappears.
– Networking is a skill, not magic. It can be trained. The less you analyze, the easier it is to start.
– Use everything you’re given. Matchmaking platforms, chats, participant mailing lists – these are all resources that many ignore, and that’s a mistake.
– Speak specifically, not “just in case.” If you’re looking for a partner or a client – say so. People appreciate clarity.
– Don’t wait to be remembered – remind them yourself. Now I plan to follow up with everyone I spoke to and write a follow-up: who I am, how I can be useful, and what I can offer.
In conclusion:
– I found several AI solutions that can realistically be implemented into recruitment processes right now.
– I met interesting and necessary people.
– I gained new ideas.
– And most importantly – I stepped out of my bubble.
This experience reminded me once again: growth is always where comfort ends, and I’m very glad I finally decided to attend different conferences and “sell” my services.
P.S. If you work with HR technologies, AI solutions, or are looking for a strategic partner in recruitment and HR – let’s connect, I’m always open to new collaborations. Write to me directly or through the form on my website.