I learned a great deal about blogging and social media when I attended IzeaFest 2009 this past weekend. I also learned about networking and I did much better than when I attended Affiliate Summit East. Although I wasn’t able to attend the parties at IceBar and Howl At The Moon, I took advantage of the breaks and lunch to meet new people.
Introducing myself became commonplace and turned out to be fun. I didn’t go there with a plan in mind, but after reviewing my actions these are the top ten tips I would suggest on networking at conferences:
- Greet people you know from prior events. This will set your mind (and stomach) at ease. It’s always easier to find a friendly face and get a big hello. In turn, you will be introduced by them to new people.
- Reach out to people that you planned on meeting from online. Tweet them, look for their name tags, ask around. Make that effort and it will create an quick bond.
- When you see someone that looks lost or feeling out of place, be friendly and help them out.
- Accept invitations to dinner and other events when possible.
- Don’t be afraid of speaking to the speakers or “big name people”. Most welcome the interaction and are very personable. When you attend another event, it will be even easier to say hello and begin a conversation.
- Be a connector. Introduce people that haven’t met, especially those that have something in common. I learned this from Murray Newlands -@MurrayNewlands.
- Don’t push your business cards. Ask questions, listen, learn.
- Be yourself. If you’re not authentic, everyone will figure it out.
- If you can’t make it to an event, apologize to those who attended. Ask questions about it and share photos, tweets, etc.
- Have fun but don’t overdo the drinking or acting foolish. You’ll get a name for yourself that you won’t want.
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=c5dbb6fe-55bc-441b-9c4d-965aee287a5d)
Thank you for the mention
.-= Murray´s last blog ..FTC Bloggers rules FTCWTF =-.
I’m hoping to someday attend my first blogging event and will remember your tips! Thanks for sharing.
.-= Cindi @ Moomette’s Magnificents´s last blog ..11 Ways To Drive Traffic To Your Blog =-.
Connie,
Some fantastic tips. I really like them. Looking forward to meeting up with you again at another event in the future. IZEAFest 2010!
.-= BenSpark´s last blog ..It’s MY Birthday, Pass the Cake =-.
Connie, you are spot on with your tips!
Being a connector is the absolute best part of networking at any convention for me – and yes, I learned that from Murray too
.-= Heather in Beautiful BC´s last blog ..Canadians Only Contest $20,000 Kitchen Makeover with Whirlpool Appliances =-.
Connie,
Great tips! Love the picture!
Cheryl
I think these are good general tips for ANY type of convention or large gathering! I’m glad you got to go and had a great time – colour my envious
.-= Ricky Buchanan´s last blog ..The “Usefulness†Factor =-.
I have to do better with #5. I always feel intimidated even though I know I shouldn’t!
So true. I am happy I at least got a few of them down while at IZEAfest. I am so glad we did the meet your online friends (#2), never forget meeting you in person Friday morning outside the conference. You are such a special friend and GREAT POST!
.-= Meredith craftyGAgal Crosby´s last blog ..How to Feed Their Behavior =-.
I love the accept invitations to dinner! There are always some great sponsored meals where you can meet some great people. Glad you came over to Pancheros to say hi.
Thanks for the tips. I’ll try to remember them when I finally get to attend a blogging event
It sounds like you guys had a great time.
.-= JMom´s last blog ..How do you feed your family well? =-.