10 Ways to Impress Wealthy Prospects at Social Events

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The fall social season for charity and nonprofit galas is here! Cabin fever led to increased demand last year, and ticket prices are up because of inflation. But wealthy and ultra-wealthy people still attend. This can be an ideal way to network.

In my own life, I had two such events last week: the local historical society’s cocktail reception, at the best hotel in town, and the SPCA (animal shelter) gala at a party barn attached to a restaurant where I have found it impossible to ever book a reservation earlier than 8:30 p.m.

Let us make a few assumptions:

You know the high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth individuals who will be attending because they are higher-tier sponsors. This is spelled out on the event invitation.
You likely have clients in attendance.
You have attended a couple of these events before and bought tickets for others taking place later. (You are doing the circuit.)
You are dressing well.

Charity galas often follow a pattern. They are a good opportunity to regularly see wealthy and influential members of your community. You can take steps to prepare and make the most of these interactions.

Click through the slideshow for 10 tips, all of which come from the last two events I attended this past week.