chrisbrogan.com - Latest Comments in Meeting People at Events

Re: Meeting People at Events

ed hardy plus — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 00:49:59 -0000

Everything will be all right,I am behind you.

Re: Meeting People at Events

Stephen Hopson — Tue, 13 May 2008 20:56:56 -0000

Chris:

When I go to events, I just be me. I loved the tips you gave here - they make a lot of sense. There were a couple of shy people at SOBCon08 and I was very conscious of that. I don't know if I lowered my voice but I do remember giving them enough bodily distance and speaking with a smile in my voice. I think they appreciated it.

And you - you made me comfortable when I was talking to you. Despite your presence on the Internet, I felt like you were another human being who likes to connect. Your eyes were very warm as was your overall body language. I vividly remember talking to you after your presentation. You have a magenetic presence. :)

Re: Meeting People at Events

isobel — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 17:35:07 -0000

hi, i get really nervous when meeting new people, have any of you got ideas as to how i can calm my nerves down a b it, i also get scared when doing presentations in front of new people.

Re: Meeting People at Events

nir — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 05:16:56 -0000

In this world sometimes its not so easy to meet people online. One site that I think has the right angle is htpp://wannago.com that let people who wanna go to the same event or activity to meet in a casual way. what do you think?

Re: Meeting People at Events

Jim Kirks — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 02:48:29 -0000

I talk to much and laugh to often. Sometimes in a crowd of people I can become a social coward.

Ok that last part is not true.

Brogan good stuff.
Bailey dig your sence of humor.
Dude talking about grabbing. Agreed, not cool.

Re: Meeting People at Events

Matthew Cornell — Sun, 07 Oct 2007 10:11:01 -0000

Thanks for the helful tips, Chris. FYI Here's a Dale Carnegie summary from How to Win Friends and Influence People: http://www.westegg.com/unma...

Re: Meeting People at Events

patti serrano — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 23:34:32 -0000

Hey...Chris this is a great subject for you! I still want to chatwith you and tell you what I do after speeches.....just email me and say WHAT?????? and I will know it is about that subject of trying to break away from a crowd and not get stuck talking to someone too long.

JOHN DOE...that one is simple....when you are interacting with the audience, ask more open ended questions that will take the spot light off you..... or tape your mouth and do sign language....joking

Re: Meeting People at Events

John Doe — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 04:28:35 -0000

I'm hiding in anonymous to... protect the guilty and too-shy-to-be-laughed-at...

I've been told by people who have watched me at events that I'm out there and interactionable... But that I talk too much.

Anyone have tips on fixing that?

Re: Meeting People at Events

Jon (was) in Michigan — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 21:55:55 -0000

I took a Dale Carnegie course, but this one article did more for me that than stupid course ever did. And all I had to do was read this and not get up dance and do weird things in front of people.

Re: Meeting People at Events

whitney — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 06:58:42 -0000

The thing that always strikes me about people in new media is that many of us were geeks in high school. Not the Big Man On Campus- alot of us don't know how to deal with popularity, no matter how much we have always craved being the "cool kids".

A year ago, I was overwhelmed by getting to meet CC in person; now we're good friends in real life. That to me is why this space is awesome. We all do have something to contribute.

The biggest barrier to all of this is a sense of self-confidence, and the ability to read subtle body language social cues. If you feel unworthy and timid, that shows. But also being too aggressive with other people shows as well. Just be you- and that's easily good enough.

Re: Meeting People at Events

Dayngr — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 16:11:53 -0000

I'm thinking this is all common sense stuff. Did people really not know this? Seriously?

Maybe the tech events are different but I haven't ever experienced this at other events where I've been the one on display.

Re: Meeting People at Events

Laura Athavale Fitton — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 14:56:49 -0000

Very sad to say, the "tip" below is a tweet from PME. I sure hope the person in question just "had something on their mind," cuz the experience blew.

**Nifty networking tip: if someone cool intros you to someone with "you two should really meet," don't stare + make them explain themself?

/me smiled politely, and moved on.

Re: Meeting People at Events

Mike Ambrose — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 14:45:07 -0000

Your posts inspired me to come up with a list of my own. These tips on meeting the famous (and the very well known, or VWK) have worked for me:

1. Get clear in your mind your exact purpose in meeting the VWK.
2. Wait your turn.
3. Realize that you're going to get maybe 30 seconds with the person, and be satisfied with that.
4. Watch their body language while you're chatting - especially their eyes.
5. Have a closing line ready to avoid awkwardness.
6. It's ok to extend your hand first for a handshake.
7. It's not ok to grab.
8. Avoid (at all costs) trying to get their attention by calling out their name, loudly.
9. Keep the encounter short.
10. Try not to blubber.
11. Meet other people.

I go into more detail in the post on my blog...

Re: Meeting People at Events

Jeff Glasson — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 14:34:55 -0000

To some degree I think that the online relationship preceding the opportunity to meet people in person helps with confidence related issues that pop up from time to time. Personally, the recent Tech Cocktail in Boston was the first time I was able to meet face to face many of the people I had only know via online relationships or as voices in podcasts. Having little bits of knowledge in the back of my mind about each person made for a much easier "ice-breaking" experience.

Re: Meeting People at Events

Scott Schablow — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 14:05:15 -0000

In my past life as a TV journalist I used to interview TV & film celebrities, prominent politicians and even royalty. You're right Chris, people are just people. A few observations that I have found universal: Most importantly, when you approach, make and hold eye contact while smiling. Then offer a brief handshake. Secondly say something to him or her on a personal level. I've had A-list stars thank me for asking about their family, their recent trip, social cause etc. They get tired of people gushing and complimenting. I used to research the person's personal life and comment on something that was important to them. Now in the days of Twitter all you need to do keep up with them and have a person to person conversation.

Re: Meeting People at Events

Will — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 13:33:11 -0000

Great Points Chris!!!

Always remember that they are there because they want to meet their fans, just as much as you are there to meet your idols.

Re: Meeting People at Events

chrisbrogan — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 13:17:24 -0000

Believe me when I say that how people act in person is *really* different than how they act online. Some of the world's foremost social media experts aren't all that comfy face-to-face. Put keyboards between us, and we'll be friends.

If I weren't already doing a few things, I could write books on this to last a lifetime.

Re: Meeting People at Events

Amie Gillingham — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 13:14:54 -0000

@Michael Bailey: I think it's so much easier to be "brave" online than off. The most recent networking event I went to was PodCampPGH2 and I found myself pretty much only talking to people I knew from online or presenters if I connected with what they had to say and had a follow-up question. I think a lot of us may be having a hard time translating our "extroverted" online persona into real-life situations and making in-person connections because it takes a completely different (although not unrelated) skill set.

Re: Meeting People at Events

Michael Bailey — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 12:50:52 -0000

After reading through a bunch of post-PME blog posting and the comments areas, I just had a thought.

We're building all of these online social-networks and yet, in the comments sections, it appears that we're still trying to figure out how to be/or what being social is all about.

I'm not trying to make a point, just an observation, and I have a typically droll sense of humor - but, just throwing it in here to see if anyone else noticed it too?

Re: Meeting People at Events

Dr.Mani — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 12:40:14 -0000

Interesting blog by Justin - thanks for highlighting it :)

Incidentally, the 'guy' who did lay the pickle on my Subway yesterday does know me! (Full disclosure: I made my own! ;) )

"How do YOU normally feel at these events?"

Nervous. Often. Either because I'm worried everyone will recognize me. Or because they won't!

All success
Dr.Mani

Re: Meeting People at Events

Annie — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 11:57:01 -0000

Ask good questions. Nothing makes me feel better than when someone I don't know, or barely know, asks for my opinion or ideas about something I feel knowledgeable about. I had some awesome conversations at PodCamp Philly with people I consider "celebs" just because I asked them simple questions.

Of course, it helps if you really want to know the answers. Asking a question then staring at the floor or over their shoulder while someone is answering isn't quite as effective.

Re: Meeting People at Events

kitykity — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 11:31:41 -0000

I think this brings us back around to how important a brand is. Often I don't see myself as important; but it feels so nice to have someone introduce me at an event, and the person says, "oh YOU'RE kitykity!! I know you!"

Re: Meeting People at Events

Dan Schawbel — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 11:25:49 -0000

Great points Chris. I'll see you tomorrow at the social media breakfast to see how well people follow these "rules of conduct."

Re: Meeting People at Events

Douglas E. Welch — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 10:40:28 -0000

More advice. As much as I love my wife, I can't go to events with her. Having someone to hang out with brings out my inherent shyness and I end up talking to no one else...because I don't have to.

At Expo on Friday, I had a new acquaintance to walk around and introduce to everyone and it had the opposite effect. It really made me open up and talk to even more people so she could have the benefit of meeting them.

As for you, Chris, I think I waved at you once during your PodCamp talk and then left you alone the rest of Expo. You were always surrounded by folks. (SMILE)

Douglas

Re: Meeting People at Events

chrisbrogan — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 09:56:30 -0000

@Amie - why you!!!! : )

@Dr. Mani- Remember, we're all celebrity in our own fishbowls, right? So, I go with Justin Kownacki's definition of celebrity.

@CC - great points. Truly, as I've seen you embody them.

@MLO - Appalachian courtesy would serve more people well, all the way around.

@JoeC - yeah, the MESSAGE types immediately fade in my memory. Like, immediately.

Great stuff, guys!

How do YOU normally feel at these events? Comfy? Nervous? Do you think people consider you shy? I love when I find Internet-famous people who are actually really shy. Hell, *I* get shy from time to time.