Networking is a
way to meet other people in the industry, from all levels of experience and
expertise. Don’t focus only on the presenters. After all, their time is
limited, and you don’t want to overwhelm them. Take the time to meet others and
talk to people around you. Your fellow attendees have life experiences and
knowledge that they can share, too. Below are some more dos and don’ts to help
your conference be a successful one.
Do be prepared. Start networking before you even
get to the conference. It’s important
that you know about the presenters and their area of specialization. Take the
time to visit the presenters' websites. You don’t want to demean people with
questions like, “Now, what do you do?” or “Who are you with?”
Do be proactive. Introduce yourself. Get to sessions
early so you can meet people. Sit in the front row so you’re in a good position
to reach the presenter after the talk. Do thank the presenter, being specific
about something you learned or appreciated. This is not the time to give a sales pitch. That will turn people off.
Do have business cards or something similar. If presenters
ask you to contact them, you want to have your pertinent information handy.
Make sure all the information is current, and cards with a small personal photo
are best. A picture helps people put your name with a face. Don’t pass out your cards like a
political candidate.
Do be a good listener. Be attentive. Take good notes. Plan
ahead of time the questions that you need to ask. Enjoy talking to the other
person. Here is a wonderful opportunity, so make the most of it by enjoying it
as well as trying to connect. Don’t be on your cell phone, checking
messages, or heaven forbid, talking! This tells people that you think you are
more important than they are.
Do use good manners. Be considerate of the presenters’ limited time. One way of
getting assurance that you’re not interrupting, nor being a nuisance, is to
preface your conversation with something like, "Have I caught you at a bad
time? I have a quick question I wanted to ask you." Don’t monopolize the conversation. Be brief; give other people a
chance to talk. (And remember, presenters need breaks, too!)
Do learn how to excuse yourself gracefully. There will be times when the
presenter doesn't turn out to be the right contact you were hoping to connect
with, or it becomes apparent that the other person does not appear interested in
talking with you (or doesn’t have the time). In this case, excuse yourself
politely, thank them for their time, and continue your networking with other
members of the conference.1 Don’t take it personally. do
Do follow through. If you have promised someone to
send them a specific piece of work, do so promptly, and if something happens
that you can’t, let that person know. If you made a real and personal
connection with a presenter, send an email or card, thanking them for their
advice (suggestion, input, etc.) Stay in touch with fellow attendees, too.
Remember, they can be a valuable source or sounding board. Don’t put away your materials from the conference. File your
handouts for future reference. Type or rewrite your notes as soon as possible.
It’s amazing how much you’ll forget (or can’t decipher later).
Lastly, do have a good
time and learn as much as you can. We want your experience at KCWC to be not
only beneficial, but enjoyable as well!
Trish Nall, KCWC Treasurer
No comments:
Post a Comment