How to Connect with Influencers at Beauty Events

Beauty events are buzzing with energy, packed with influencers who have the power to shape trends and make brands go viral. But how do you make sure you’re not just another face in the crowd? It’s all about creating meaningful connections with these influencers, and trust me, it’s easier than you might think.

Do Your Research Before the Event

Just like you wouldn’t walk into a job interview without knowing a little about the company, you shouldn’t walk into a beauty event without knowing who will be there. The first step to connecting with influencers is doing your homework.

Why Research Matters: Knowing which influencers will be at the event helps you target the ones that align with your brand or personal interests. Not all influencers are the same—some focus on makeup, while others specialize in skincare or haircare.

Here’s how to research effectively:

• Event Websites and Social Media: Most events have a list of scheduled influencers or featured speakers. Take the time to follow them on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube, and engage with their content before the event.
• Understand Their Brand: Look into their previous collaborations, content style, and audience. Are they focused on cruelty-free beauty, luxury skincare, or drugstore brands? Knowing their niche allows you to speak their language and tailor your approach.
• Set Your Goals: Think about what you want to achieve. Are you looking to collaborate? Or maybe you want to get to know them better and learn from their experience? Setting clear goals will guide your conversations and make your approach more intentional.

Craft a Personal Approach

Imagine you’re at a party, and you see someone you admire. The last thing you want to do is walk up and start talking about your latest project without even introducing yourself. Similarly, when approaching influencers, it’s crucial to start with something personal. Build rapport before diving into your pitch.

How to Craft Your Personal Approach:

• Start with a Compliment: Everyone loves a sincere compliment, and influencers are no different. Mention something specific you admire about their work—maybe their unique makeup looks or how they empower their followers. Just make sure it’s genuine.
• Be Brief but Engaging: Influencers are often busy, so respect their time. A short and sweet introduction about who you are and why you appreciate their work is a great icebreaker.
• Find Common Ground: If you both love the same beauty brand or technique, bring it up! Finding something in common can lead to a more natural conversation.

Example: Let’s say you spot an influencer known for promoting eco-friendly beauty brands. You could approach them and say, “I’ve been following your journey with clean beauty products, and I love your commitment to sustainability. I’ve recently started my own eco-friendly beauty routine, and I’d love to hear your recommendations.”

Build Genuine Relationships

Networking isn’t just about handing out your business card or asking for a collaboration on the spot. Think of it more like planting a seed. You need to nurture it and give it time to grow. Building a genuine relationship with an influencer means taking the time to understand who they are and what they value.

Tips for Building a Strong Relationship:

• Be Authentic: People can tell when you’re being genuine. Don’t try to be someone you’re not just to impress them. Influencers appreciate authenticity, so be yourself and show real interest in their work.
• Ask Questions: Instead of just talking about yourself, ask influencers about their journey, challenges, and experiences. This not only shows you care, but it also gives you valuable insight into their world.
• Don’t Rush: If your goal is to collaborate, don’t rush into asking. Focus on building a meaningful relationship first, and the opportunities will come naturally.

Example: Instead of jumping straight into asking for a shoutout or collaboration, try engaging in a conversation about their latest product review or upcoming project. I’d love to hear your thoughts on how it compares to other products you’ve tried!”

Engage Before and After the Event

Networking doesn’t start and end at the event itself. To stand out and make a lasting impression, you need to engage with influencers both before and after the event.

Pre-Event Engagement:

• Follow on Social Media: Start following the influencers you want to connect with on platforms like Instagram or Twitter. Comment on their posts and engage with their stories. This helps you get on their radar before you even meet in person.
• Reach Out with a Friendly Message: Send a short message introducing yourself and expressing excitement about meeting them at the event. Keep it light and friendly, not business-focused.

Post-Event Follow-Up:

• Thank You Notes: After the event, send a thank-you message to the influencers you spoke with. A simple “It was so great meeting you” can go a long way.
• Continue the Conversation: Don’t just say goodbye and disappear. Engage with their content online by liking, commenting, and sharing. This keeps the connection alive.
• Propose Collaborations: If the relationship has developed naturally, you can now start proposing potential collaborations or projects. Just make sure your ideas align with their brand and interests.