Get the Most Out of Virtual Events

Virtual events are here to stay, and whether you love the convenience of connecting from your living room or feel a little lost in the digital crowd, there’s no denying the opportunities these events present.

In her video, longtime entrepreneur and marketing agency CEO Torie Mathis shares her proven strategies for getting the most bang for your buck (and your time) at virtual networking events.

Let’s break down her actionable advice so you can win big at your next online gathering.

Your Purpose for Attending

Before you even log in, clarify what you want to accomplish. Are you aiming to land new clients, build partnerships, or simply expand your network? Being clear about your goals influences how you introduce yourself, the people you target for conversation, and the types of follow-up you’ll need.

Torie shares a story about attending a live event and how mismatched intentions can quickly lead to awkward experiences. Avoid this by creating a potential client profile. Know who your ideal connections are and make sure your goals align before you step into the digital room.

Test Your Tech

Preparation isn’t only about who you’ll meet; it’s about making sure your tech works seamlessly. If your event is on Zoom or another platform, practice muting and unmuting, sharing your screen, and ensuring your internet connection is stable.

A quick dry run with a friend or colleague helps you iron out issues so you can focus fully on networking, not troubleshooting.

Do Your Homework

A little research goes a long way. Find out who the other attendees are by searching LinkedIn, Google, or event-specific Facebook groups. Learn about the event hosts and any speakers.

This will help you recognize key people, tailor conversations, and make more strategic introductions. Being prepared shows you’re invested and can set you apart from less-prepared participants.

Polish Your Elevator Speech

When meeting new contacts, a short, powerful introduction is gold. Torie recommends crafting a three-sentence origin story that shares who you are, what you do, and (most importantly) how you help others.

Focus your speech on benefits, not just job titles. This helps you make a strong first impression and eliminates nerves about what to say. If you need help perfecting your pitch, be sure to check out the Smart Arsenal exercise Torie mentions in her video.

Prepare Conversation Starters

Keeping the conversation flowing is easier when you have a few go-to questions ready. Focus on asking about the other person’s work, their interests, or the event topic. Questions that highlight the other person help them open up, making your connection more memorable.

Online Presence

After a great conversation, most people will look you up online. Make sure your social profiles are up-to-date and your online reputation matches what you shared during your introduction.

Torie also points out that virtual events can be major email list-building opportunities, so have a system in place, like a valuable checklist or ebook, to capture contacts. Need help setting up a lead capture funnel? Check out Torie’s Done-for-You Smart Funnels for a fast and effective way to get started.

Plan Your Follow-Up

Don’t let valuable connections slip away. Prepare a follow-up strategy: send a quick email to people you met, connect on social media, and remind them of how you can help. Always focus on the benefits to them, not just your own goals.

Present Yourself Professionally

Even if you’re not physically in the same room, presentation matters. Dress appropriately, set up a distraction-free environment, and check your background. Your professionalism will come through on screen.

Make Virtual Events Work for You

Virtual events can be a powerful tool for growing your business, making connections, and building your brand, but only when you approach them thoughtfully and strategically. By following Torie’s advice and preparing ahead of time, you’ll stand out, make meaningful connections, and turn every event into an opportunity.

But virtual events are just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to a smart marketing strategy. Let me ask you a question: Do you know how your marketing stacks up?

Find out by taking the SMART Marketing quiz. Get customized results on how to get smarter with your marketing. You’ll learn exactly what YOUR business should focus on, get customized recommendations on how to get the best bang for your marketing buck, and unleash your business’s true potential. It’s like having a personal marketing coach by your side!

And remember, you don’t need crazy tech skills, buckets of cash, or a dedicated staff to market your business; you don’t even need a lot of time.

What you need is to be smart, and virtual events are smart for your business.

If you're ready to grow your business with smart marketing you can:

1. Sign up for weekly FREE Business Bytes with CEO, Torie Mathis

2. Get a SMART Funnel and begin to automate your marketing

3. Learn Digital Marketing with a Smart Marketing Course

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: TORIE MATHIS

Torie Mathis helps entrepreneurs grow their business with Smart Marketing.  She is a best-selling author, Army veteran, international speaker + trainer, and the CEO + Creative Director at Lake Shark Media. She also teaches entrepreneurs how to get smart with digital marketing at toriemathis.com