Meaningful Networking

When you attend a conference, you meet people--it's impossible not to! I'm sharing a few tips to soothe the meet-and-greet jitters. If you're like me, you may be socially at ease in your own circles--family, church, work, school--but a tad uncomfortable (or downright terrified) at the thought of meeting hundreds of writers.



If you're attending the conference with a few friends, you're very blessed. They're comforting, like a security blanket. You won't have to worry about having someone to sit next to at lunch, nor will you feel like a green M&M in a sea of yellows, and you'll have friends to share the ups and downs of each day with. Be thankful!

For all of you first timers who don't have a circle of friends to rely on, please remember you aren't the outsider looking in. Sure, there will be little cloisters of writers dotted throughout the facility. They all seem to know each other. They're laughing and patting each other on the back, hugging and hollering. And you might feel lonely, left out, as if you're the only stranger in the hotel. You aren't.

From the minute you arrive until the minute you leave, don't let the "poor me, everyone knows each other" attitude overcome you. You're going to have to step out of your comfort zone and make an effort.

And for all of you writers with a built in circle attending, you're going to want to step out of your comfort zone and make an effort too, or you'll miss out on meeting some incredible people.

Stop hyperventilating. You can do this. I'm going to show you how.

Here is my tip for meeting new people.

Mingle.

That's it. Easy!

Don't spend every second with your friends. Walk around and introduce yourself to people. Are you in line for something? Strike up a conversation with the lady in front of you. After the day's events are over, go down to the lounge. Sit next to a group of writers and introduce yourself. At workshops, talk to the people next to you before it starts. Don't let opportunities to be friendly pass you by.

So how do you strike up a conversation with a stranger at a writing conference? Again, easy!

1. Introduce yourself
2. Ask them where they're from.
3. Ask them what they write.

It's a guaranteed conversation starter. Everyone loves talking about what they write. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to all of the intriguing books people are working on.

If you think of it, ask for their card. Then, when you're back in your room, write a few notes about the person so you'll remember them. I met many, many people, but had meaningful conversations with about a dozen. When I returned home, I e-mailed the dozen. Will we always keep in touch? Doubtful, but I know I'll stay in touch with a few, and that's pretty great.

So here is my question for you: are you comfortable meeting new people or does it intimidate you? How will you handle the social aspect of conference?
If you get there and need a boost, e-mail me. I'll give you the nudge you need to meet some great people!

On a side note, I'm guest blogging over at Reality Covered in Chocolate today, so if you're addicted to magazines, or curious about someone who is (ahem), head on over! I appreciate your support!

Join me on Friday when we'll discuss the impression you make on people.

Happy Writing!

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