I Hate Conference Networking: 5 Sure-Fire Tips for the Timid

Happy Monday morning for Las Vegas!

One of the more exciting aspects (and necessary ones!) of being on online marketer is the opportunity to attend seminars and conferences.  Sure, this is probably not the most opportune time to be leaving my newborn, wife and 2 kids, but they understand that this is part of what I do (and I really am only a quick 4 hour drive away!).  Despite the fact that I miss the family, getting out of the house a least once per quarter is something I need to do, not just to grow my businesses and network, but to keep my sanity, as well.  Vegas is not the same without my wife, so this really is just business, but the change of scenery (and a full night’s sleep!) goes a long way with mental stability.

So this is Affiliate Summit West.  This is my first Affiliate Summit and probably will not be my last.  From a networking aspect, this has been one of the tougher conventions that I have been to, since I literally knew no one here when I first arrived.  Personally, I am not that out-going and coming into a situation like this can be tough for me.  Still, I am persevering.  Here is how I am “rectifying” this situation to effectively network with people at this conference.

1)  Start with the vendors. 

The first thing I usually do when I arrive is to browse all of the exhibits and see which companies I either recognize, have a relationship with, or seem to have a product or service I can use and confront them.  This is easy because most of them are dying to talk to you.

2)  Leverage from the vendors

While talking with the vendors, slowly change the subject to other services that compliment theirs but do not offer these services.  This can start a chain of networks.  They may suggest another vendor or another person that may be attending the conference that can help you solve this issue.

3)  Leverage from these leads

We continue this process until it ends.  You may find yourself going through 2 or 3 degrees of separation from your initial contact.  And remember, most of the time it is these vendor relationships that will pay off more that a “cold-call” attendee.

4)  Take advantage of the break-out sessions

After exhausting the vendor leads, now is the time to approach attendees.  Going to break-out sessions are great for two reasons.  The first being that if you choose a topic that correlates to what you are doing, more than likely the participants in this session will have similar topic issues.  Second, this makes it easier to start conversion with those around you.  You do not have to approach “cliques” and the liklihood that this random person can help is much greater than general discussion.

5)  Drink.

I hate to write this one, but frankly, it really does help in most cases.  Most conferences have a cocktail hour for networking.  I hate this time and it really is about the “cold approach” to meeting people.  Still, I feel inclined to participate.  Having a drink or two usually removes a few nerves.  Also, for some reason if you are walking around holding a drink, you appear more inviting for others to approach you.  Starting a conversion while standing in line for a drink works well (again, no cliques or groups to approach).  I do not suggest that you get drunk or silly, but a drink or two can really help be more aggressive and even look more inviting to others.

I will hold my final assessment of Affiliate Summit for Wednesday when I get home.  But for not, the focus in on Networking and try to enjoy my time away from home.

Cheers…matt