Small Business, Big Connections: How To Network at Dreamforce

Small Business, Big Connections: How To Network at Dreamforce

Learn how to boost your small business at Dreamforce with industry leaders every year.

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What if three days could speed up your business growth by three years? At Dreamforce, we've seen miracles happen for businesses just like yours. You're not just attending another conference‌ - ‌you're stepping into a world where thousands of innovators, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders gather to share ideas that reshape their future. The energy is electric, the possibilities are endless, and the right conversation at the right moment could lead to opportunities you never saw coming.

For small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), Dreamforce isn't just a networking event - it's highly compressed growth. This quick guide offers a complete roadmap to making the most of every moment.

What we'll cover:

• What is Dreamforce for small business?
• Why you need to connect at big events as a small business owner
• Pre-event: Network prep
• During Dreamforce: Making connections that count
• Post-event: Turn connections into business growth
• Use Salesforce SMB tools to magnify new connections
• Your Dreamforce networking game plan starts now

What is Dreamforce and why is it beneficial for small business?

Dreamforce is an annual event where Salesforce unveils new AI tools, solutions, and product announcements. It aims to provide attendees with hands-on experience with Salesforce products and new AI technologies.

Mark your calendars around September or October every year, because tickets sell out fast. Dreamforce for small businesses is getting the same backstage pass to innovation as industry leaders and rockstars at one event. Where else can you test drive the latest artificial intelligence (AI) tools, see your favorite musician live, and bump into your dream partner in the lunch line?

Past attendees know the secret: don't try to do everything. Dreamforce includes:

• Keynotes from industry leaders and Salesforce executives
• Product announcements and demos
• Customer success stories and case studies
• Breakout sessions and workshops on various topics
• Networking opportunities with professionals and partners
• Hands-on experience with Salesforce products and new AI technologies

The secret is building your own roadmap through the event. With thousands of sessions and experiences to choose from, smart attendees zero in on ‌content that directly addresses their biggest business opportunities and pain points.

Why you need to connect at big events as a small business owner

Thousands of SMB leaders from around the globe show up to Dreamforce every year. But it's not about the headcount. It's about momentum. Think of Dreamforce as three years of business development packed into three days.

You're not just hearing about AI - you're seeing it work in real time. The sessions are hands-on practical workshops on using real AI to solve real problems. Marc Benioff's opening keynote alone gives you enough conversation starters for the entire conference. When he unveils the latest innovations and shares the vision for Salesforce's future, everyone in that room shares the same "aha" moments.

Whether they're learning, networking, selling, or all three, everyone has common ground - to connect and grow together with the tools that matter most. Plus, interactive activities like quests and hackathons naturally bring people together. Nothing bonds you faster than collaborating to solve a challenge‌ - ‌and these interactive experiences create connections that are far stronger than traditional networking handshakes.

Pre-event: Network prep

Success at Dreamforce starts the moment you buy your ticket. You get access to the Success Community, where the pre-game networking begins and you get access to resources, guides, and tips on navigating Dreamforce like a pro. Start your networking before you land in San Francisco.

Set up your digital command center

First, download the Dreamforce mobile app‌ - ‌your command center for the entire event. Use it to bookmark sessions, connect with attendees, and get real-time updates.

You'll also want a system to manage all the connections you'll make, so consider using a customer relationship management (CRM) with integrated marketing tools to log contacts in one dedicated place. Set up custom tags for "Dreamforce," conversation notes, and automated follow-ups before you arrive. You can customize all information with tags, add notes, and even schedule your next steps from the Salesforce mobile app. More to come on that, later.

Start networking before you land in San Francisco

Use social media strategically before, after, and during Dreamforce. Engage with fellow attendees' posts, participate in hashtag discussions, and build rapport on LinkedIn. Share insightful content related to the event's themes, tag individuals in posts to show appreciation, and join event-specific groups.

You can also check out Salesforce's Trailblazer Community to network with other entrepreneurs and industry leaders -‌ this growing community has thousands of forums and groups that host virtual and offline events for business owners of all types.

When you meet these people in person, you're continuing a conversation, not starting cold. This proactive engagement not only helps you stand out but also provides valuable context for face-to-face conversations.

Identify your must-meet people

There are a lot of people you'll meet at Dreamforce, so it's good to whittle down your most important connections. Try using a CRM to create your prioritized list. Choose a select number of people that you'd like to meet, not too many, so as not to overwhelm yourself and them as goals in your CRM. This could include prospects, a new partner, or an inspiring speaker.

Choose your sessions with Agenda Builder

It's time to build out your Dreamforce agenda. You can use Agenda Builder as your event GPS. Preregister for must-see sessions that can really impact your business. Here are some examples:

• Small business success stories
• Hands-on workshops for new features
• Industry-specific sessions on strategy
• Certification prep or upskilling

Pro tip: Pick up your badge on the Monday before the event if you can, when it's quieter. And, be sure to wear comfortable shoes, pack extra business cards, and bring a charged phone - you'll be taking a lot of photos.

(Source: Dreamforce, Salesforce 2024.)

During Dreamforce: Making connections that count

You've done the prep work. Now it's showtime. But remember - networking at Dreamforce isn't about collecting the most contacts. It's about making connections that matter.

Work the room smartly

To effectively work a room at an event using intelligent data, start by analyzing attendee profiles to identify key individuals who align with your goals. This is where your CRM comes in handy. Quickly logging information to tailor your approach can create meaningful conversations. By combining data-driven insights with a strategic networking plan, you can maximize your impact and achieve your objectives.

Not sure where to start? Try out fun events like the Annual Dreamforce Community Fun Run that starts bright and early at 6 a.m. on Wednesday before the event. Even if you're not a runner, showing up for the community vibe starts your day with energy and connections. Nothing breaks the ice like sharing a 5K together.

Find your people strategically

Next, let's focus on a strategy to meet some new people. Community Cove becomes your networking command center for the event. Different session times attract different crowds, so here's your cheatsheet:

• Morning sessions attract early-bird go-getters. Fun Runs, breakfast chats, and yoga meetups draw motivated decision makers and entrepreneurs who make the most of their Dreamforce experience.
• Lunchtime draws people looking for connections. It's prime networking time when attendees actively seek conversations over shared meals and meetups.
• Late afternoon brings folks needing a break from sessions. Attendees are ready to decompress and have relaxed, in-depth conversations.

Dreamforce isn't just about tech - it's also a celebration of music! The conference has hosted an impressive lineup of performers over the years, including the Foo Fighters, Green Day, and Imagine Dragons. Other notable acts like Alicia Keys, Usher, and The Black Eyed Peas have also taken the stage, making Dreamforce a unique blend of professional development and entertainment.

Join Concert Buddies to meet fellow attendees at the pre-concert meetup, walk to Oracle Park together, and enjoy VIP Fast Lane entry. The beauty of Dreamforce isn't just the world-class entertainment - it's watching thousands of business professionals transform into excited fans, all united by music and the Salesforce community. Those moments of pure joy are when authentic connections happen.

(Source: Dreamforce, Salesforce 2024.)

Use the Mindfulness Meadow on Mission Street when you need a breather - just look for the signs; you can't miss it. This dedicated space helps you step away from the hectic conference energy to calm and refresh. You'll often meet like-minded Trailblazers looking for the same mental reset.

Pro tip: The conversations during intermission and while walking back from Oracle Park often yield better business connections than formal networking events. There's something about shared experiences and great music that breaks down professional barriers instantly.

Set realistic goals

Define what success looks like before you arrive at Dreamforce. SMB owners who set specific Dreamforce goals get measurably better results:

• Revenue goal: Connect with 3-5 qualified prospects in your target market
• Partnership goal: Identify 2 potential referral partners or collaborators
• Learning goal: Solve 2-3 specific business challenges you're facing
• Growth goal: Discover 1-2 Salesforce features that could simplify your operations
• Network goal: Build relationships with 3-5 peers one step ahead of your business
• Follow-up goal: Commit to meaningful contact within 48 hours of meeting

Pro tip: Enter these goals as tasks in your CRM before the event. Post-Dreamforce, automation can remind you, schedule follow-ups, and help track which contacts turned into customers or partners.

Make every conversation count

Dreamforce is all about conversations that connect businesses. So make your conversations count, even the small talk. After you meet someone, try out these event ice-breakers:

• "How has Salesforce changed your business?"
• "What's one thing you're hoping to learn here today?"
• "Any sessions you recommend for me as an SMB owner?"
• "What did you think about the keynote?"

Then, to build business and delve deeper into connection, here are some ice-breakers that will help you boost your brand. Create conversation starters that spark curiosity:

• "Our mission is to help [audience] solve [problem]."
• "We just learned how to cut churn by 40% - happy to share what worked for us."
• "Looking for SMBs who've scaled beyond 50 employees without insane overhead.

Pro tip: When you make a note of your "lead" from Dreamforce in your CRM, you can remind yourself to bring this conversation up in the automated follow-up emails after the event.

Post-event: Turn connections into business growth

The event is over, PHEW! Take a breath. It's not over, however, this is where the real connections happen. Give yourself some time to recoup, then it's time to double down on these connections. Here are the real ways to make Dreamforce connections count:

Real-time follow-up strategy

You don't have to wait until you're home to log connections. You can use Salesforce's mobile app to capture details in real time. With the CRM mobile app, you can:

• Create new records, such as contacts, accounts, or opportunities
• Log calls, emails, and meetings with new partners or leads
• Assign follow-up tasks and reminders to yourself or others
• Access and edit records, including contact information and account details
• View history and activity timeline
• Use mobile-exclusive features like cameras and GPS to capture data

Pro Tip: Add context while it's fresh. "Met at Agentforce demo, has a 50-person support team, frustrated with response times, loves coffee (mentioned favorite SF cafe is Refuel)". When this is logged into your CRM, the entire team has access to help personalize all interactions with the contact moving forward.

Follow-up formulas that get responses

Generic follow-ups are connection killers. Try hyper-personalized follow-up messages that reference specific details from your conversation. Try to follow up within 48-72 hours after the event with automated email nurture campaigns.. Reference shared moments: that keynote wow moment, the restaurant recommendation you gave them, and the mutual connections you discovered.

Your follow-up formula:

• Specific reference: "Loved your insight about customer retention during the SMB panel"
• Value add: "Here's that article about scaling past 50 employees we discussed"
• Personal touch: "Hope you made it to that taco place in the Mission!"
• Clear next step: "Coffee next week to continue our conversation? Here's my calendar link."

Use Salesforce SMB tools to magnify new connections

The most successful SMBs at Dreamforce don't just network‌ - ‌they integrate networking into their strategy. Using Salesforce's own small business tools means you're not only learning the platform but building a relationship management system that works long after you leave San Francisco. Here are two specific tools that transform chance encounters into lasting business relationships:

Starter Suite: Your networking foundation

Salesforce Starter Suite is your go-to networking hub, and at $25 per user per month, it costs less than your conference coffee budget. Import those contacts in bulk, set up smart segmentation, and track every interaction without breaking a sweat.

What you can‌ do on day one of your event:

• Bulk import contacts with custom fields for Dreamforce notes
• Set automated follow-up reminders (no more sticky note reminders)
• Create segmented email campaigns ("Met at AI session" vs. "Met at SMB keynote")
• Track engagement metrics to see who's‌ interested, and what can be changed

Pro Suite: Automate the follow-through

Ready to scale your networking? Pro Suite turns manual follow-up into automated relationship building. Lead scoring tells you which Dreamforce connections are heating up. That person that opened your email and visited your pricing page? They just became your top priority.

Use advanced networking automation:

• Lead scoring based on engagement (know who to call first)
• Campaigns that adjust based on how people respond
• A/B test your follow-up messages (what resonates with Dreamforce folks?)
• ROI tracking to prove Dreamforce was worth it

Agentforce: Next-level networking

For SMBs ready to revolutionize follow-up, Salesforce Foundations provides free access to expanded capabilities. Combine with Agentforce to create AI agents that never drop the ball.

Your AI networking assistant can:

• Answer product questions 24/7 with perfect recall
• Qualify leads based on your criteria
• Book meetings when interest peaks
• Send personalized content based on Dreamforce conversations

Your Dreamforce networking game plan starts now

You're ready to connect at Dreamforce‌ - ‌this annual powerhouse event brings together the entire Salesforce ecosystem every year, and it's your chance to transform three days into business-changing connections and insights.

Tickets go fast each year, so don't wait until the last minute only to find yourself on a waitlist while your competitors are closing deals in the hallways. Register early to secure your spot for this year's Dreamforce, happening annually every Fall.

Start your journey with Starter Suite today. Looking for more customization? Explore Pro Suite. Already a Salesforce customer? Activate Foundations and try out Agentforce today.

AI supported the writers and editors who created this article.

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Nicole is the Director of Product Marketing for Salesforce supporting our SMB business. Her experience spans across all aspects of marketing and go-to-market strategy. One of her passions is helping small and growing businesses use technology to scale their organizations.

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