First off, I admit that I could use some improvement in the "remember people's names and where we met" department.
One strategy I use is to be generous with my business cards and as soon as possible after meeting a person, I take some quick notes on the back of their card. For me, what helps is to take a note or two about what we talked about, where we met. I may take more extensive notes later when back at home or in my hotel room. I would say it's perfectly acceptable to follow up with an email after the conference, especially if you don't live in the same community.
I only take notes during a visit if there is an "ask" that we agree on. I just say, "let me write that down so I remember" then follow up with a call or email to deliver the ask. Having good "forgetter" works better and better as an excuse as I am getting more grays..
The last year or so, I have also started connecting with people on LinkedIn after a conference etc. Having a picture of the person helps me a great deal.
What ever works best for you as a learning/memorization habit - find ways to use it in networking as well. For me what works best is if I can connect a face to a topic - but we all have different learning styles.
Good luck with your networking - I have found ASCE to be an excellent place for that.
Kind regards,
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Tor Anderzen P.E., M.ASCE
Senior Aviation Engineer
HDL
Palmer AK
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Original Message:
Sent: 05-16-2017 16:48
From: Oswaldo Bravo
Subject: Networking at Conferences
When meeting new individuals at conferences or meetings, what are some practices you apply to remember who you are meeting and the information you are exchanging? Do you take notes after meeting someone? Do you take notes while chatting with that person?
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Oswaldo Bravo P.E., M.ASCE
Staff Geotechnical Engineer
Lenexa KS
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