Maximizing Your Investment in Attending Sector Convenings | Skoll World Forum Edition

Sector convenings such as the Skoll World Forum provide a powerful platform to connect with like-minded peers, foster partnerships with funders, and accelerate social impact. Given the investment of time, energy, and resources, it’s essential to approach these events strategically. 

Click here for a massively expanded step-by-step guide to the Skoll World Forum and Oxford affectionately referred to as ‘The Unofficial Guide to the Skoll World Forum’.  

Below, we’ve outlined best practices for making the most of your experience before, during, and after the Forum.

Before the Convening | Begin with the End in Mind

1. Clarify Your Goals:
   Before attending, take time to reflect on your objectives for the Forum. Are you aiming to build partnerships, gain insights, or advance your mission? Establish a clear “why” for attending. Steven Covey’s advice, “Begin with the end in mind,” is vital here. Understanding your purpose for being there will shape how you engage with others and identify key opportunities.
2. Set Intentions:
   Set daily intentions before and during the event. For example, “May I go where I am needed most today,” or “May my interactions be fruitful for all.” This mindful approach allows you to align with your values and attract meaningful connections.
3. Do Your Homework:
   • Review the delegate list and identify individuals or organizations aligned with your mission. Use your research to prepare in advance for conversations with potential partners and funders.
   • Reach out in advance to schedule one-on-one meetings. Use LinkedIn and the Skoll World Forum mobile app to explore mutual connections that can facilitate introductions.
4. Craft Your Engagement Pitch
   Prepare a succinct and compelling engagement pitch that communicates your mission. Focus on your passion for social impact, such as: “I help global nonprofits secure the funds they need to drive social change.” This helps engage others in deeper conversations rooted in purpose.
5. Embrace Serendipity:
   While pre-scheduling meetings is essential, be open to spontaneous conversations. Some of the best connections happen during coffee breaks, walking to sessions, or in the informal spaces around Oxford.

During the Convening | Presence and Authenticity

1. Show Up Fully:
   Bring your authentic self to the event. Approach each conversation with curiosity and genuine interest. Ask open-ended questions like, “What inspired you to pursue this work?” or “How did you develop your approach to addressing [specific issue]?” This encourages meaningful, reciprocal exchanges.
2. Lead with Curiosity:
   Build relationships by learning about others. Focus on active listening instead of pitching your organization. This helps you make an informed ask when the time is right. Take notes during conversations to ensure follow-up is personalized and relevant to what you discussed.
3. Be Generous with Your Time and Knowledge:
   Networking isn’t just about what you can gain. By offering support, sharing resources, or providing introductions to others in your network, you demonstrate that you are genuinely invested in collaborative impact.
4. Center Your Well-being:
   Sector convenings can be overwhelming, especially when meeting new people and attending back-to-back sessions. Take time to step away for short breaks, stretch, or do a breathing exercise. This will help you stay present and manage your energy throughout the long days and nights.
5. Leverage Your Environment:
   Use spaces like the ‘Collaboration Cafe’ at the Saïd Business School for informal networking opportunities and serendipity.  Some of the most memorable conversations can happen during casual interactions like rideshares, hallway chats, and coffee breaks.
6. Approach Funders as Partners:
   Funders are crucial collaborators in social change, so approach them with confidence as equals with a shared vision. Focus on showcasing the impact of your work together, rather than just seeking funds.

After the Convening | Nurture Your Connections

1. Follow Up Promptly:
   As soon as possible after the event, send follow-up emails to the people you met. Thank them for their time and continue the conversation if appropriate. Personalize your follow-ups by referencing specific details from your interaction. This will keep the connection alive and relevant.
2. Follow Through on Commitments:
   If you made promises to share resources, introduce someone to a potential partner, or schedule a follow-up call, make sure to deliver on those commitments in a timely manner. Reliability is key in building trust and long-term relationships.
3. Reflect on Key Takeaways:
   After the event, take some time to reflect on the conversations you had and what you learned. Capture these insights in a journal or digital document. Consider how they can inform your work moving forward.
4. Stay Engaged:
   Stay connected with people through platforms like LinkedIn and email. Share articles, resources, or thoughts that are relevant to your relationship and continue to nurture those connections over time.
5. Refine Your Approach for Future Events:
   Reflect on how your approach to networking and engagement evolved throughout the event. This reflection will help you refine your strategy for future convenings, and allow you to engage even more purposefully in the future.

Final Thoughts | Approach the Forum with Authenticity and Generosity

The key to success lies in being present, listening actively, leading with curiosity and generosity, and nurturing relationships over time. Center your well-being and “protect the asset”—you. With thoughtful preparation and an open and generous heart, you can maximize the value of your investment and ensure that your participation has far reaching benefits for you and your mission.