Chatting with other participants is an essential feature that helps you build connections and network effectively. In this article, we’ll walk you through the simple steps to initiate a chat, whether you’re using the web platform or the mobile app.
To chat with someone on the platform, you need to either schedule a meeting with them or establish mutual interest, which we call connections. Once one of these conditions is met, you can easily start a conversation through the "My Connections" section or the "Chat" tab.
Table of Contents
- Prerequisites for Starting a Chat
- Accessing and Using Chat
- Instant Meetings / Calls (Web Only)
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Prerequisites for Starting a Chat
Before you can start chatting, one of the following must happen:
Option 1: Have a Scheduled Meeting
If you’ve scheduled and confirmed a meeting with another event participant, you can start chatting immediately. Here’s how:
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Request a meeting: Choose a preferred time, date, and location.
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Add a personal message: Optionally, include a message for context.
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Confirmed meeting: Once confirmed, the participant will appear in your "Connections" section on the web platform or under the "Chat" tab on the mobile app.
To learn how to request a meeting, click here.
Option 2: Mutual Interest via the "Connect" Button
You can also start chatting with someone by establishing mutual interest through the "Connect" button. Here’s how it works:
- Express Interest: Click the "Connect" button on the participant’s profile to show interest.
In the example below, we have already shown interest in Abdul, and the option to connect with Alma or Amy is available.
- Wait for mutual interest: Once the other person accepts or shows interest in you, you’ll receive a notification.
- Start the chat: After mutual interest is confirmed, the participant will appear in your "Connections" section on the web platform or under the "Chat" tab on the mobile app.
Best Practice: If connecting with a key participant is critical to your networking goals, schedule a meeting to enable the chat feature immediately. This saves time and avoids waiting for mutual interest.
Accessing and Using Chat
Once you’ve met one of the conditions (scheduled a meeting or mutual interest), follow these steps to start chatting:
On the Web Platform:
- Go to My Connections in the main navigation bar.
- Browse your list of connections to find the participant.
- Click their profile to open the chat window and start messaging.
On the Mobile App:
- Tap on the Chat tab.
- Find the participant in your list.
- Tap thei profile to open the chat window.
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Instant Meetings / Calls (Web only)
The platform allows you to initiate Instant Meetings/Calls from the connections window on the web platform with any of your online connections. This feature lets you switch from a text-based conversation to a voice or video call, providing a more direct interaction.
How to Start an Instant Meeting:
- Open the chat with a connection who is currently online. For example, in the connections list, Yesenia is online and available for an Instant Meeting, while Viktoria is offline and unavailable.
- Click the Instant Meeting button to initiate a virtual call.
Tip: To manage your notifications, go to Edit Profile under account settings, where you can:
- Enable or disable email notifications for new chat messages.
- Enable sound alerts for incoming Instant Meeting requests.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I start a chat with someone if I haven’t scheduled a meeting or shown interest?
A: No, you must have either a scheduled meeting or mutual interest established through the Connect button before the chat feature becomes available.
Q: How will I know if someone is interested in connecting with me?
A: You’ll receive a notification once a participant expresses interest or confirms mutual interest through the Connect button.
Q: Where do I find my chat conversations?
A: On the web platform, go to My Connections in the navigation bar. On the mobile app, tap on the Chat tab.
Q: What should I do if I can’t start a chat with someone?
A: Make sure you’ve either scheduled a meeting or established mutual interest. Also, ensure that the participant is online and available.
Q: Are Instant Meetings available on the mobile app?
A: No, Instant Meetings/Calls are only available on the web platform. You can still use regular chat on both web and mobile.
Q: How do I receive notifications for new chats or calls?
A: Go to Edit Profile in your account settings, where you can manage your notification preferences for chat messages and Instant Meeting alerts.
Q: Why don't I see any messages under 'Chat' when I log in to the mobile app for the first time?
A: If you haven't made any connections on the event platform yet, the 'Chat' section in the mobile app will show 'Start Networking' as the first option. Selecting this will take you back to the homepage to explore and find others to interact with.