Chris, while this is geared more towards conference organizers, attendees can start to ask/demand this type of thing from their conferences. It is a copany called pathable (http://www.pathable.com) and they make it easy to connect at conferences by putting your interests on your badge and matching groups by colors, giving people something to talk about immediately.
Chris - I just Tweeted about this recently, but, as usual, a thoughtful blog post is sometimes better than a quick Tweet.
I'm a shy person. I love speaking in front of people, but not meeting/talking with them. Why? Fear - the neverending doubts that surface such as "Why would X want to meet/talk with me - they are the experts - what do I have to offer to the conversation,etc" - Those critical voices in the head continue to plague me, but, having some names/topics prior to entering a networking situation have made me confident enough to walk up to complete strangers and introduce myself.
Using Twitter prior to a networking event (@Bryper Social Media Breakfast - Boston - December 17) enabled me to enter a room knowing a couple of names, a few faces, and the confidence to have a couple of talking points.
By far, it was one of my favorite events and for the sole reason that I felt confident, prepared and not as afraid :)
I'm ALWAYS going to use social networking tools prior to events in which I am walking into a room w/o knowing anyone - not using them seems like I'd be leaving money on the table - Plus, there's probably someone out there as shy as I am and who would love to have someone come over and introduce themselves, right?
Don Lafferty
· 1 year ago
Good stuff, Brogan.
The "plumbing up" component is critical while the event and your personal contact is still fresh in everyone's memory.
As a sales hack I'm always "leaving my hat behind" - creating my followup hook that takes the "plumbing up" activities from passive to active.
NEENZ
· 1 year ago
Recently emerging from my very first conference, UNCONFERENZ, surrounded by a wealth of knowledge, I realized my strength was the "social" side of social networking and social media. As I learn more, and find my way through, it's my sincere personality that connects me to others.
Researching the attendees is very important, especially for a first-timer or relatively introverted person.
Great advice as always!
http://www.golfnorwich.com/
· 1 year ago
I'm just the opposite of Ami. I can and enjoy chit chat with a few people, but put me up front in front of a group, forget it. I don't quite have an anxiety attack, but pretty close. http://www.golfnorwich.com/
Jim "Genuine" Turner
· 1 year ago
Shh we are two different people!
I have actually thought about signing up for events with my name tag being "Genuine" since it is really has become my brand. I know you have blogged before about getting your personal brand up and running, but alas, I have somewhat grown accustomed to having a alter ego much like "Shoeshine" is to "Underdog."
thom singer
· 1 year ago
Chris-
Good post. People need to fill out their profiles on Facebook and MySpace so that they can be found. Even if they are not going to be active using the online social networking tools, if they do not have public profiles they could miss opportunities. Many seemed to be either afraid or overwhelmed by the thought of using social media. But it is not a fad.
thom
Anthony
· 1 year ago
Hi Chris
I found your blog by accident via your book review on UK recruiter, and it's and interesting read.
I'm currently working with TrustedPlaces a social network for people looking for places to go. We've got all of the usual stuff including a Facebook group and app. etc.
I'd be interested in speaking to you in more detail about how to leverage our networks strengths vis a vis others such as Facebook, making this an inter-social networking question.
Please contact me if interested in further discussion.
Natasha Wescoat
· 1 year ago
This article was so awesome. You've just been opening my eyes to a ways of utilizing social media that I had never even thought was possible. Like, using it more "naturally" I guess you could say. You are bringing the subject back to the ground in a way..
NearU allows you to set some locations of yours by pointing them on a map. Then it informs you which members are near you allowing you to contact them, and eventually find out for yourself. ;-)
All Comments
Scott Berkun wrote about this once - http://www.scottberkun.com/blog/2007/social-sof...
I'm a shy person. I love speaking in front of people, but not meeting/talking with them. Why? Fear - the neverending doubts that surface such as "Why would X want to meet/talk with me - they are the experts - what do I have to offer to the conversation,etc" - Those critical voices in the head continue to plague me, but, having some names/topics prior to entering a networking situation have made me confident enough to walk up to complete strangers and introduce myself.
Using Twitter prior to a networking event (@Bryper Social Media Breakfast - Boston - December 17) enabled me to enter a room knowing a couple of names, a few faces, and the confidence to have a couple of talking points.
By far, it was one of my favorite events and for the sole reason that I felt confident, prepared and not as afraid :)
I'm ALWAYS going to use social networking tools prior to events in which I am walking into a room w/o knowing anyone - not using them seems like I'd be leaving money on the table - Plus, there's probably someone out there as shy as I am and who would love to have someone come over and introduce themselves, right?
The "plumbing up" component is critical while the event and your personal contact is still fresh in everyone's memory.
As a sales hack I'm always "leaving my hat behind" - creating my followup hook that takes the "plumbing up" activities from passive to active.
Researching the attendees is very important, especially for a first-timer or relatively introverted person.
Great advice as always!
http://www.golfnorwich.com/
I have actually thought about signing up for events with my name tag being "Genuine" since it is really has become my brand. I know you have blogged before about getting your personal brand up and running, but alas, I have somewhat grown accustomed to having a alter ego much like "Shoeshine" is to "Underdog."
Good post. People need to fill out their profiles on Facebook and MySpace so that they can be found. Even if they are not going to be active using the online social networking tools, if they do not have public profiles they could miss opportunities. Many seemed to be either afraid or overwhelmed by the thought of using social media. But it is not a fad.
thom
I found your blog by accident via your book review on UK recruiter, and it's and interesting read.
I'm currently working with TrustedPlaces a social network for people looking for places to go. We've got all of the usual stuff including a Facebook group and app. etc.
I'd be interested in speaking to you in more detail about how to leverage our networks strengths vis a vis others such as Facebook, making this an inter-social networking question.
Please contact me if interested in further discussion.
http://www.movingfrommetowe.com/2007/12/23/make...
and/or host a meeting via MeetUp, with a speaker series and perhaps make money in so doing
http://www.movingfrommetowe.com/2007/12/12/orga...
....Chris should speak at meetings of professional meeting planners (MPI, ASAE, PCMA, SGMP etc.)to speed their move toward inclusion of social media
http://www.movingfrommetowe.com/2007/11/05/how-...
http://apps.facebook.com/nearyou