Six Simple Steps to Better Networking

By Javacia Harris Bowser

Social media channels like LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter opened up a world of online networking that was quite the dream come true for shy, introverted writers and bloggers. But one of the best ways to promote your work, even if your work primarily lives online, is to step away from the computer and meet new people, in person.

Last week I had the opportunity to travel to Chicago to attend BlogHer ’13, the world’s largest blogging conference for women. This was my first BlogHer and I was thankful that the first day of workshops kicked off with what was called the “Newbie Breakfast,” a morning session for first-time BlogHer attendees.

At the breakfast Sandy Jones-Kaminski, author of I’m at a Networking Event – Now What? gave tips on the best way to meet new people at conferences like BlogHer.

1. Stop staring at your phone. If you’re at a conference alone and waiting for a workshop session to start, it’s tempting to take out your phone and start checking email and scrolling through your Instagram or Twitter feeds. But if you put the phone away and sit with a pleasant look on your face, chances are someone else rolling solo will come introduce herself and you’ll have a new blogging buddy.

2. Open conversations with common ground. When networking at conferences you know you and the folks around you have at least one thing in common – you’re all at the freaking conference! So break the ice by simply asking the stranger next to you why she decided to attend.

3. Ask easy-to-answer questions. Ask questions related to the topic of the conference. If you’re attending a blogging conference ask the person next to you what her blog is about. If you’re at a writing conference ask your fellow attendee about her work-in-progress. If you’re at a social media conference strike up a conversation about Twitter, Facebook, Google + or LinkedIn. Ask if she’s on Instagram or Pinterest or if she’s into Vine.

4. Listen. Good networking isn’t about doing a lot of talking; it’s about getting other people to talk. During her presentation, Jones-Kaminski mentioned a great quote from Guy Kawasaki, who was also a speaker at this year’s BlogHer. Kawasaki once said: “The mark of a good conversationalist is not that you can talk a lot. The mark is that you can get others to talk a lot. Thus, good schmoozers are good listeners, not good talkers.”

5. Have your business cards and pen handy. Bring plenty of business cards and stash them in an easy-to-access spot, not the bottom of your purse. I’d suggest placing them in your plastic nametag holder. Write a note on the cards you collect so when you follow up (and you should always follow up) you will remember who this person is and what you discussed.

6. Don’t be a jerk. Those are my words, not Jones-Kaminiski’s, but I think that phrase sums up many of the tips she gave. Once you have found some conference buddies, don’t turn into the mean girls clique. Welcome others into your circle. Also, don’t make it rain with your business cards (again, my interpretation). Exchange cards only after you’ve actually started a conversation with someone. And don’t get drunk. I know you may think you need liquid courage to talk to strangers but I doubt you want to be remembered as the chick who had to be carried out of the conference after-party.