223 Referrals in One Hour. Here’s How.

Discover the secret format for generating over 200 referrals for 28 strangers in just 60 minutes during a virtual networking event.

Last week, I was facilitating a virtual networking event that I wasn’t quite sure how to navigate.

I found myself running a Zoom meeting with nearly thirty total strangers.

Should I spend time highlighting the benefits of strategic networking?

Or let everyone dive right into their sales pitches?

Perhaps the simplest approach is to send them into breakout rooms and let the conversations flow naturally.

I had sixty minutes to deliver meaningful insights, spark networking among participants, and somehow tie it all together to kickstart real relationship-building.

Fortunately, I was well-prepared for the event.

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✅ The 3-Step Formula

Most networking events are hit or miss. This one cracked the code—and sparked 223 referrals in just one hour. Here's how the formula works…

Like every networking event I moderate, my goals were simple:

Learn → Network → Connect

To reach my goals, I prioritized three main objectives:

1. Encourage participation

2. Inspire connection

3. Leverage technology

This way, everyone gains new insights, uncovers valuable leads and opportunities, and starts building relationships that last.

Let’s dive in and explore each of these elements …

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🗣️ Encourage Participation

Have you ever been in a Zoom meeting where half the cameras are off and the featured speaker just goes on and on? It can be boring and feel unproductive.

I’m convinced that active participation and getting everyone involved make an event truly successful.

How is this done?

By asking targeted questions that help guide participants on what to say.

I ask the same questions at every networking event.

❓The Key Questions

1. Who are you and what do you do?

2. Do you have a key insight or useful tip you’d be willing to share?

3. How can we help you?

I often prompt each participant to share even more, so we can better understand how to support them. For example:

Are there any challenges you’re facing? Is your company looking for funding? Are you looking to hire?

Or, more simply, do you have a favor to ask? Do you want us to leave a review for you or provide feedback on your website?

The key is getting participants to open up … the more they open up, the easier it is for others to help them.

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🥰 Inspire connection

There’s nothing simple about turning a group of strangers into a screen full of engaged participants.

I follow a few guidelines during my meetings that I’ve found encourage genuine engagement and put participants at ease:

• Depending on the situation, I shift between the roles of coach, facilitator, and moderator.

• I discourage sales pitches because they undermine genuine connection and tend to disengage the group.

• I focus on creating a positive atmosphere by inviting shout-outs, offering encouragement, and fostering curiosity through open questions.

The payoff?

A more engaged event full of energy and active participation.

Hearing a participant say, 'I’m feeling the love!' made it all worthwhile.

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💻 Leverage Technology

A few years ago, Zoom launched a feature called Advanced Polls.

It became a powerful tool that helped me connect thousands of professionals.

📄 Quick Poll. Big Insights

As each participant speaks during the event, I quickly launch this poll in real time:

The attendees complete the poll for each participant within a few minutes, allowing me to gather meaningful data and later share it with those who took part.

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📈 Results That Matter

Great things happen when participants of a Zoom networking session come ready with clear expectations, a positive mindset, and a willingness to help.

Add an active facilitator, focused discussions, and the right technology …

The outcome is undeniable:

1️⃣ Success Metrics

Metrics are important because they provide clear, objective data to measure progress, make informed decisions, and improve outcomes.

The poll results from the Zoom meeting were astonishing:

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2️⃣ Winning Outcomes

The quantity of leads generated in one meeting may be impressive, but it’s the quality of the leads that I’m most proud of.

Few responses felt salesy. Most were sincere, offering real insights and meaningful value through authentic connection:

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3️⃣ Powerful Testimonials

The follow-up messages I received after the Zoom meeting were genuinely encouraging and full of inspiration.

Yes, networking can get you instant wins ….

But real connections begin when participants feel deeply seen and valued …

And that results in a growing and profitable business …

Are you interested in seeing how this format works for you?

Feel free to sign up to attend one of our upcoming networking events:

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✅ The Takeaway

No system is perfect.

Among the 28 participants in the Zoom networking meeting, five chose not to engage with the online polls.

By not participating, they unfortunately missed out on the opportunity to connect with others and see the ultimate poll results.

Our events recognize those who are helpful, and selfishness is discouraged.

Do you enjoy supporting and helping others?

If so, I’d like to invite you to one of our networking events.

Let’s experience the magic together. Join me at one of our networking events for a truly special experience...

Learn to Network to Connect

Have a great weekend!

- Mike

👀 WHERE TO FIND ME

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-marcellus/

• X: https://twitter.com/TipclubInc

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tipclub

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tipclub.inc/

• Threads: https://www.threads.net/@tipclub.inc

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