How to keep the post-event buzz on your return to the office

With the events season wrapping up, many of us in the industry are feeling that all too familiar feeling: An inbox overflowing with client queries after a few days out of the office, alongside a barrage of marketing emails from connections we made at conferences and networking events. It’s no surprise that the return to our desks can feel overwhelming.

And right at the heart of that overwhelm? Technology. After all, these events are brimming with promises of the next big thing. Whether it be cloud platforms, AI-powered tools, or software to automate every inch of your workflow, we leave with this fear that we might miss out, so everything feels urgent. But, as we’ve seen time and again, it’s easy to get lost in the noise of “what’s new” rather than focusing on “what’s needed.”

So, how do we cut through the clutter and turn this post-event rush into something positive?

A strategic approach using post-event findings

The answer lies in stepping back and adopting a structured mindset. Rather than feeling pressure to jump on every new tool or trend we’ve just heard about, let’s ground ourselves in the basics:

Get your current ducks in a row

Before chasing the latest app or AI promise, make sure the basics are covered. (Check out our article last month ‘Back to basics beyond the buzzwords’). These building blocks are the real foundation for successful tech adoption.

Problem-first, not product-first

When those marketing emails start flooding in, it’s tempting to get swept up in the promises. But often it’s bells and whistle that we don’t need.

Our tech choices should be driven by the specific challenges our firm faces day-to-day. Let the problems guide the solutions, not the other way around.

Create a questionnaire for vendors

Who is their perfect client? What updates have they done recently and what is on their roadmap?

Don’t be afraid to tell vendors how you work, it means getting the best fit for both parties.

Teamwork makes the dream work

Even the best tech won’t stick if your team doesn’t see the value. Be sure to regroup and talk with your staff about what you have seen and learnt. Then turn the questions to them. What’s working? What’s causing friction? A culture of open dialogue and continuous improvement will make any tech implementation more successful.

Silence the noise

You don’t need to adopt every tool you’ve just heard about. Curate your tech stack carefully, map it out, identify the gaps and choose solutions that work together via integrations to support your long-term strategy.

The influx of new ideas and tools post-events can be energising, but it can also derail you if you don’t take a moment to pause and plan. Remember, technology should serve your firm’s objectives, not distract from them.

Discover more from 20:20 Innovation here.

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