Confessions of a Webinar Marketer: Staying Calm When the WiFi Drops

By Sarah Taylor, Yo Marketing Agency Head of Global Events

...by someone who’s mastered the art of presenting to 300 people while wearing pyjama bottoms.

Welcome back to part two of our "Confessions of..." series. After tackling the chaos of live events, we’re heading into the wonderful world of webinars - where your internet connection is your lifeline, engagement is everything, and no one ever unmutes when they should.

From the outside, webinars might seem like the easy option. No venue, no catering, no taxis for keynote speakers. But don’t be fooled: what webinars lack in logistics, they make up for in live-stream pressure and relentless multitasking. Here's what really goes on:

1. Tech Checks Are Never Just a Formality

"Can everyone hear me?" should not be the first line of your session. We run dry runs, backup slides, and have at least three ways to troubleshoot sound, screen shares, and video fails. And yes, someone will still forget to unmute.

2. Engagement Isn’t a Bonus - It’s the Goal

People drop off webinars fast. If you’re not delivering value or interaction in the first five minutes, they’re gone. Polls, chat, Q&A, breakouts; we use them all. Because passive viewing doesn’t equal pipeline.

3. Speaker Management Is Its Own Skillset

Some speakers bring their A-game. Others need coaching, coaxing, and a nudge to stay on message. We handle run-throughs, talking points, and keeping the 20-minute slot from turning into 40.

4. Registrations Mean Nothing Without Follow-Up

A 1,000-person sign-up looks great on paper, but real value comes from conversion. Who attended? Who engaged? Who asked the key question that shows intent? Follow-up strategy is where the ROI lives.

5. It’s Virtual, But It’s Still a Show

Lighting, framing, tone, pace, timing - it all matters. A dull delivery in a messy room with echoey audio? No thanks. Webinars might be remote, but the standards are high.

A good webinar doesn’t just inform. It connects, engages, and converts. When done right, it's one of the most powerful tools in the B2B marketer's playbook.

Stay tuned for the final part of our "Confessions of..." series: podcasts, because what sounds simple on air is anything but behind the scenes.

Looking to deliver standout webinars that engage, convert, and actually generate results?

At Yo Marketing, we take care of everything; from strategy and speaker prep to promotion and follow-up.

Let’s make your next webinar unmissable!

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B2B Networking: 10 Expert Tips for Productive Event Attendance

By Sarah Taylor, Yo Marketing Agency Head of Global Events Attending events can be a game-changer for B2B companies—especially when it comes to B2B networking—but only if approached strategically. With the right mindset and preparation, you can generate leads, forge strategic partnerships, and create lasting business opportunities. Here’s how to make the most of every event you attend. #### 1. Set Clear Goals Why are you attending this event? Are you looking to generate leads, build industry connections, or gain insights from key players in your sector? Setting clear and measurable goals will keep you focused and ensure that your time is well spent. For B2B companies, this could mean aiming to connect with a set number of decision-makers or identifying potential partners. According to Contactzilla, firms with a planned approach to networking reported 38% higher networking performance compared to those with an ad-hoc approach. **Pro Tip: Write your goals down before the event and review them as you go. Use a simple checklist to track your progress.** #### 2. Do Your Homework Preparation is key. Research the event agenda, identify key attendees or speakers, and follow the event hashtag on social media. Leveraging [AI personalization](https://yomarketing.agency/blogs/ai-personalization-marketing-transforming-b2b-engagement/) can further enhance your strategy by integrating attendee insights to maximize your networking potential. This approach provides valuable insights into who you might meet and what topics will be most relevant to your goals. For B2B companies, tools like LinkedIn Sales Navigator or HubSpot can help you identify decision-makers, while Eventbrite and Meetup offer detailed attendee profiles. Using these tools ensures you target the right opportunities and maximize your B2B networking potential. **Example:** Before attending a tech conference, identify CEOs or industry leaders who’ll be present and prepare a few talking points about their work. #### 3. Perfect Your Elevator Pitch Craft a concise introduction that clearly explains who you are, what your company offers, and the unique value you bring to potential partners or clients. Highlight your expertise and how your solutions address common challenges in your industry. For representatives of B2B companies, focus on how your services or products stand out in the market and what makes your approach distinct. Keep it under 30 seconds, and adjust it based on the attendees you’re meeting to emphasize shared goals or interests. **Pro Tip: Practice your pitch with a friend or colleague and tweak it to sound natural.** #### 4. Pack Smart Don’t leave essentials behind! Bring business cards, a notebook for jotting down key takeaways, and a fully charged phone. Use LinkedIn’s QR code feature to connect with attendees instantly. If the event offers an app, download it to access the agenda and network with others. #### 5. Be Strategic with Your Time Don’t just wander—plan your schedule to focus on high-value sessions and networking opportunities. Arrive early to grab a good seat and meet other attendees before the program begins. During breaks, prioritize connecting with speakers or panelists. **Example:** Attend smaller breakout sessions where it’s easier to engage in discussions and meet like-minded professionals. #### 6. Start Conversations with Confidence Approach networking as relationship-building, not selling. Begin with open-ended questions like, “What inspired you to attend this event?” or “What are you hoping to learn today?” Active listening and genuine interest go a long way in building rapport. #### 7. Take Detailed Notes Don’t rely on memory alone. After meeting someone, jot down key details about your conversation, such as shared interests or potential follow-up topics. This will make your follow-up communications more personalized and impactful. #### 8. Follow Up Promptly The real magic happens after the event. For B2B companies, follow-ups are critical to fostering lasting partnerships or even securing contracts that drive growth. Send a personalized LinkedIn request or email within 48 hours, referencing your conversation. To stand out, offer value—such as sharing a relevant resource, suggesting a collaboration, or proposing a meeting to discuss how your businesses can complement each other. **Example: “It was great meeting you at [event]. I really enjoyed our chat about [topic]. Here’s the article I mentioned; let me know what you think!”** #### 9. Reflect and Improve Take time to evaluate your experience. Did you meet your goals? What worked well, and what could you improve? Use these insights to refine your approach for future events. **Pro Tip: Keep a networking journal to track connections and lessons learned from each event.** #### 10. Maintain Connections Building relationships doesn’t end at the event. Stay in touch by engaging with your connections on LinkedIn, sharing relevant updates, or reaching out periodically. Leveraging a [personalized drip campaign](https://yomarketing.agency/blogs/how-to-leverage-ai-for-personalized-drip-campaigns-in-b2b-marketing/) in your follow-ups can create a deeper, more lasting impact by delivering tailored messages over time. Consistent communication, supported by thoughtful personalization, helps nurture professional relationships and keeps your brand top of mind. #### Final Thoughts By being intentional and prepared, you can turn event attendance into a powerful networking opportunity. Keep your goals in focus, use tools like AI to enhance your preparation, and always follow up with authenticity. Networking isn’t just about growing your contact list—it’s about creating meaningful, lasting relationships. Ready to transform your B2B networking strategy and make every event count? Contact Yo Marketing today for a free consultation! [![Schedule a free strategy session today](https://8pfraw1pqsd9gr2m.public.blob.vercel-storage.com/cta/schedule%20a%20free%20strategy%20session%20today-71nxI8IjipsNWn5HZlezFcxibVvXHd.png)](/contact/)

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Level Up Your Lead Gen: Why Online Events are Your B2B Secret Weapon

The digital age has transformed how businesses connect. Forget cold calls and awkward networking events – today's B2B landscape thrives on meaningful online engagement. If you're looking to capture leads and nurture relationships, it's time to embrace the power of online events. #### Why Online Events? The Benefits are Clear: **Expanded Reach:** No geographical limitations! Reach a global audience and connect with prospects you might never encounter otherwise. **Cost-Effectiveness:** Say goodbye to expensive venue rentals, travel costs, and catering. Online events offer a significant ROI boost. **Increased Engagement:** Interactive elements like polls, Q&A sessions, and live chats keep your audience hooked and provide valuable insights. **Brand Building:** Position your company as a thought leader and industry expert by delivering high-quality content. **Data-Driven Results:** Track every click, comment, and download to understand your audience and refine your strategies. #### A World of Online Event Possibilities: **Webinars:** Deep dive into specific topics, showcase your expertise, and generate valuable leads. **Live Streamed Events:** From product launches to conferences, live streaming creates a sense of excitement and community. **Virtual Hackathons:** Attract top tech talent by challenging them with engaging problem-solving competitions. **Online Workshops:** Provide hands-on training and valuable skills development opportunities for your audience. #### Turning Engagement into Qualified Leads: Remember, every interaction is a potential lead. Make sure your **CRM and marketing automation tools** are primed to capture and track engagement data. Assign lead scores based on interactions, downloads, and participation to prioritize your follow-up efforts. #### Planning for Success: **Promote Early and Often:** A 30-day lead time is a minimum. Utilize social media, email marketing, and your website to generate buzz. **Align with Your Campaign:** Ensure your event topic complements your current marketing messages and target audience. **Partner Up:** Invite clients or industry partners to participate, adding credibility and expanding your reach. #### Tools to Get You Started: **GoToWebinar:** A robust platform for hosting professional webinars with interactive features. **StreamYard:** Effortlessly live stream your events to multiple platforms like YouTube, LinkedIn, and Facebook. #### Beyond Sales: Recruiting Top Talent Online events aren't just for lead generation. Virtual hackathons and workshops are fantastic tools for **recruiting**. Showcase your company culture, engage with potential candidates, and identify top talent in a competitive market. #### Need Help? Yo Marketing can help you craft a winning online event strategy. From concept to execution, we'll ensure your events are engaging, impactful, and drive real results. **Ready to take your B2B engagement to the next level? Embrace the power of online events and watch your lead generation soar!** [![Schedule a free strategy session today](https://8pfraw1pqsd9gr2m.public.blob.vercel-storage.com/cta/schedule%20a%20free%20strategy%20session%20today-71nxI8IjipsNWn5HZlezFcxibVvXHd.png)](/contact/)

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Confessions of a Webinar Marketer: Staying Calm When the WiFi Drops

1. Tech Checks Are Never Just a Formality

2. Engagement Isn’t a Bonus - It’s the Goal

3. Speaker Management Is Its Own Skillset

4. Registrations Mean Nothing Without Follow-Up

5. It’s Virtual, But It’s Still a Show

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B2B Networking: 10 Expert Tips for Productive Event Attendance

Level Up Your Lead Gen: Why Online Events are Your B2B Secret Weapon

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