Comments on: 10 tips for meeting people at industry events http://andrewchenblog.com/2007/02/07/10-tips-for-meeting-people-at-industry-events/ Essays on viral marketing, freemium, and social gaming Thu, 22 Jul 2010 23:29:35 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: To my first 10,000 blog subscribers: Thank you! | Andrew Chen (@andrew_chen) http://andrewchenblog.com/2007/02/07/10-tips-for-meeting-people-at-industry-events/comment-page-1/#comment-2048 To my first 10,000 blog subscribers: Thank you! | Andrew Chen (@andrew_chen) Wed, 19 Aug 2009 21:03:45 +0000 http://andrewchenblog.com/2007/02/07/10-tips-for-meeting-people-at-industry-events/#comment-2048 [...] 10 tips for meeting people at industry events [...] [...] 10 tips for meeting people at industry events [...]

]]> By: mrbusinessgolf http://andrewchenblog.com/2007/02/07/10-tips-for-meeting-people-at-industry-events/comment-page-1/#comment-2797 mrbusinessgolf Tue, 21 Oct 2008 08:04:20 +0000 http://andrewchenblog.com/2007/02/07/10-tips-for-meeting-people-at-industry-events/#comment-2797 Great advice! Great advice!

]]> By: mrbusinessgolf http://andrewchenblog.com/2007/02/07/10-tips-for-meeting-people-at-industry-events/comment-page-1/#comment-1083 mrbusinessgolf Tue, 21 Oct 2008 01:04:20 +0000 http://andrewchenblog.com/2007/02/07/10-tips-for-meeting-people-at-industry-events/#comment-1083 Great advice! Great advice!

]]> By: Dean Gebert http://andrewchenblog.com/2007/02/07/10-tips-for-meeting-people-at-industry-events/comment-page-1/#comment-1034 Dean Gebert Tue, 14 Oct 2008 20:33:51 +0000 http://andrewchenblog.com/2007/02/07/10-tips-for-meeting-people-at-industry-events/#comment-1034 Your suggestions are great, Andrew.<br><br>The only one I'd add is... SMILE. You want to appear accessible, instead of "that creepy guy." (grin) Your suggestions are great, Andrew.

The only one I'd add is… SMILE. You want to appear accessible, instead of “that creepy guy.” (grin)

]]> By: Simon http://andrewchenblog.com/2007/02/07/10-tips-for-meeting-people-at-industry-events/comment-page-1/#comment-818 Simon Fri, 01 Aug 2008 00:53:22 +0000 http://andrewchenblog.com/2007/02/07/10-tips-for-meeting-people-at-industry-events/#comment-818 <p>Useful, for sure, but also hilarious! Tks for the good time reading def/ reminded me my first conferences in the BayA!</p> Useful, for sure, but also hilarious! Tks for the good time reading def/ reminded me my first conferences in the BayA!

]]> By: JP Adams http://andrewchenblog.com/2007/02/07/10-tips-for-meeting-people-at-industry-events/comment-page-1/#comment-817 JP Adams Tue, 10 Jun 2008 01:37:37 +0000 http://andrewchenblog.com/2007/02/07/10-tips-for-meeting-people-at-industry-events/#comment-817 <p>Thanks for the great post Andrew. </p> <p>I'm headed to a conference this weekend in Chicago and will see if I can put some of the tools to work!</p> <p>I agree with Randy Stewart that preparing some notes on specific 'targets' (if an attendee list is provided) can also increase your odds of making great connections. </p> <p>I'll follow-up with what I learn upon my return! </p> Thanks for the great post Andrew.

I’m headed to a conference this weekend in Chicago and will see if I can put some of the tools to work!

I agree with Randy Stewart that preparing some notes on specific ‘targets’ (if an attendee list is provided) can also increase your odds of making great connections.

I’ll follow-up with what I learn upon my return!

]]> By: Kim Karalekas http://andrewchenblog.com/2007/02/07/10-tips-for-meeting-people-at-industry-events/comment-page-1/#comment-816 Kim Karalekas Sun, 01 Jun 2008 21:50:38 +0000 http://andrewchenblog.com/2007/02/07/10-tips-for-meeting-people-at-industry-events/#comment-816 <p>Good advice! Networking is key and these points are some great starters...</p> Good advice! Networking is key and these points are some great starters…

]]> By: Shanti Braford; On Web Apps http://andrewchenblog.com/2007/02/07/10-tips-for-meeting-people-at-industry-events/comment-page-1/#comment-815 Shanti Braford; On Web Apps Wed, 02 May 2007 19:27:18 +0000 http://andrewchenblog.com/2007/02/07/10-tips-for-meeting-people-at-industry-events/#comment-815 <p>Andrew - another great post!</p> <p>You've been dugg:<br /> <a href="http://digg.com/tech_news/10_tips_for_meeting_people_at_industry_events" rel="nofollow">http://digg.com/tech_news/10_tips_for_meeting_people_at_industry_events</a></p> Andrew – another great post!

You’ve been dugg:
http://digg.com/tech_news/10_tips_for_meeting_people_at_industry_events

]]> By: dawn http://andrewchenblog.com/2007/02/07/10-tips-for-meeting-people-at-industry-events/comment-page-1/#comment-814 dawn Sat, 10 Feb 2007 13:22:53 +0000 http://andrewchenblog.com/2007/02/07/10-tips-for-meeting-people-at-industry-events/#comment-814 <p>Fantastic list. Nothing to add to it, as I plan events, but No. 8 was intriguing. People come up to me all the time because I am on a first-name basis with the speakers, but they don't always use that time correctly. If you've got commplaints or want to take issue with something the speaker says/does, I can listen but can't necessarily get the "Celebrity" to respond personally. Those who get my card and badger me for follow-up aren't going to get a response from the speaker ... or me ... if they haven't made a good impression on me in the first place.</p> Fantastic list. Nothing to add to it, as I plan events, but No. 8 was intriguing. People come up to me all the time because I am on a first-name basis with the speakers, but they don’t always use that time correctly. If you’ve got commplaints or want to take issue with something the speaker says/does, I can listen but can’t necessarily get the “Celebrity” to respond personally. Those who get my card and badger me for follow-up aren’t going to get a response from the speaker … or me … if they haven’t made a good impression on me in the first place.

]]> By: Dennis Smith http://andrewchenblog.com/2007/02/07/10-tips-for-meeting-people-at-industry-events/comment-page-1/#comment-813 Dennis Smith Fri, 09 Feb 2007 14:35:05 +0000 http://andrewchenblog.com/2007/02/07/10-tips-for-meeting-people-at-industry-events/#comment-813 <p>Great comments.</p> <p>I agree with all of those who reference the "do your homework" aspect of networking. Too many of us do not "prepare" for the event the same way we would prepare for an interview.</p> <p>We have to prepare as if we expect to meet the one person who could offer us the job of our dreams. What do we say to them in the first 30 seconds of introduction? And, almost as important, what do we leave with them to ensure they do not forget us?</p> <p>Remember the old addage, "You only get one chance to make a great first impression."</p> Great comments.

I agree with all of those who reference the “do your homework” aspect of networking. Too many of us do not “prepare” for the event the same way we would prepare for an interview.

We have to prepare as if we expect to meet the one person who could offer us the job of our dreams. What do we say to them in the first 30 seconds of introduction? And, almost as important, what do we leave with them to ensure they do not forget us?

Remember the old addage, “You only get one chance to make a great first impression.”

]]> By: Randy Stewart http://andrewchenblog.com/2007/02/07/10-tips-for-meeting-people-at-industry-events/comment-page-1/#comment-812 Randy Stewart Thu, 08 Feb 2007 16:04:36 +0000 http://andrewchenblog.com/2007/02/07/10-tips-for-meeting-people-at-industry-events/#comment-812 <p>Jen mentioned "Never Eat Alone," which your post also reminded me of. It's kind of like a modern day, How to Win Friends and Influence People," with a less smarmy title.</p> <p>The lessons are there, though. </p> <p>A couple of other pointers - </p> <p>1. Create a list of people you'd like to meet prior to attending. Having a game plan is always better than not having one.</p> <p>2. If you want to meet one of the speakers, try to meet them before they speak. They will be busy after they speak as everyone will know them at that point.</p> <p>Can't emphasize #6 enough. If you don't have business cards, you can get them from a variety of sources online, cheaply and quickly (2 days). </p> <p>Look forward to seeing you this weekend, Andrew.</p> <p>Cheers,<br /> Randy Stewart</p> Jen mentioned “Never Eat Alone,” which your post also reminded me of. It’s kind of like a modern day, How to Win Friends and Influence People,” with a less smarmy title.

The lessons are there, though.

A couple of other pointers –

1. Create a list of people you’d like to meet prior to attending. Having a game plan is always better than not having one.

2. If you want to meet one of the speakers, try to meet them before they speak. They will be busy after they speak as everyone will know them at that point.

Can’t emphasize #6 enough. If you don’t have business cards, you can get them from a variety of sources online, cheaply and quickly (2 days).

Look forward to seeing you this weekend, Andrew.

Cheers,
Randy Stewart

]]> By: jen http://andrewchenblog.com/2007/02/07/10-tips-for-meeting-people-at-industry-events/comment-page-1/#comment-811 jen Thu, 08 Feb 2007 01:53:39 +0000 http://andrewchenblog.com/2007/02/07/10-tips-for-meeting-people-at-industry-events/#comment-811 <p>This reminded me of the book, "Never Eat Alone", except less agressive sounding. I'm too shy. Can whomever reads this blog just approach me at the conferences [shy, asian girl standing near the food table]? Or maybe i'll just approach people and tell them that I am testing out some suggested tips that I got from this blog...that should be a good conversation starter!<br /> Welcome to the bay, Andrew!</p> This reminded me of the book, “Never Eat Alone”, except less agressive sounding. I’m too shy. Can whomever reads this blog just approach me at the conferences [shy, asian girl standing near the food table]? Or maybe i’ll just approach people and tell them that I am testing out some suggested tips that I got from this blog…that should be a good conversation starter!
Welcome to the bay, Andrew!

]]> By: Bennett Zucker http://andrewchenblog.com/2007/02/07/10-tips-for-meeting-people-at-industry-events/comment-page-1/#comment-810 Bennett Zucker Thu, 08 Feb 2007 01:41:29 +0000 http://andrewchenblog.com/2007/02/07/10-tips-for-meeting-people-at-industry-events/#comment-810 <p>Andrew, Terrific advice for beginners and nice reminders for old-timers like me who've been doing this for a hundred years. Here's one more important point:</p> <p>Clasp/pin your badge HIGH on your right jacket lapel or hang it from your shirt/blouse collar. Do not use the lanyard unless you tie it so that the badge sits high, just below your neck.</p> <p>Most conference badges are printed with names and companies way too small, and most people carelessly let their badges dangle from a lanyard so you have to get on your knees to read it. With your name high and on the right, no one will have trouble picking you out and approaching you first - even if only to comment on what a great idea it is to display your badge prominently!</p> Andrew, Terrific advice for beginners and nice reminders for old-timers like me who’ve been doing this for a hundred years. Here’s one more important point:

Clasp/pin your badge HIGH on your right jacket lapel or hang it from your shirt/blouse collar. Do not use the lanyard unless you tie it so that the badge sits high, just below your neck.

Most conference badges are printed with names and companies way too small, and most people carelessly let their badges dangle from a lanyard so you have to get on your knees to read it. With your name high and on the right, no one will have trouble picking you out and approaching you first – even if only to comment on what a great idea it is to display your badge prominently!

]]> By: Sandy Jones-Kaminski http://andrewchenblog.com/2007/02/07/10-tips-for-meeting-people-at-industry-events/comment-page-1/#comment-809 Sandy Jones-Kaminski Wed, 07 Feb 2007 19:39:45 +0000 http://andrewchenblog.com/2007/02/07/10-tips-for-meeting-people-at-industry-events/#comment-809 <p>Hi Andrew, John Cook in the PI mentioned your obs on SV vs Seattle and now having lived in both (still in Seattle) have to say you're spot on. Also, a great source to find events to meet new people at in the Bay Area is www.socialdomain.com - enjoy!</p> Hi Andrew, John Cook in the PI mentioned your obs on SV vs Seattle and now having lived in both (still in Seattle) have to say you’re spot on. Also, a great source to find events to meet new people at in the Bay Area is http://www.socialdomain.com – enjoy!

]]> By: Jimmy Gambier http://andrewchenblog.com/2007/02/07/10-tips-for-meeting-people-at-industry-events/comment-page-1/#comment-808 Jimmy Gambier Wed, 07 Feb 2007 19:14:22 +0000 http://andrewchenblog.com/2007/02/07/10-tips-for-meeting-people-at-industry-events/#comment-808 <p>I would add that if there is a crowd and you find it difficult to jump in, get a drink and hang out. </p> <p>I've met some really interesting people that either approached me or who were in the same situation. It totally relieves the pressure of expectation and you can meet a lot of interesting people. </p> <p>I would also say to look at nametags for anything that sounds remotely familiar. If it's a company you like or know a lot about, it's easy to jump in with a question or comment on their product.</p> I would add that if there is a crowd and you find it difficult to jump in, get a drink and hang out.

I’ve met some really interesting people that either approached me or who were in the same situation. It totally relieves the pressure of expectation and you can meet a lot of interesting people.

I would also say to look at nametags for anything that sounds remotely familiar. If it’s a company you like or know a lot about, it’s easy to jump in with a question or comment on their product.

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