Next-Level Networking

I’m going to the SXSW Interactive Conference in Austin this week, and a lot of high-profile people whom I’ve wanted to meet for a long time will be there.

I’ve talked to some other attendees, and we all have the same goal. But if everyone has the same goal, how can we make the most of the little time we might get with the big shots, and how can we encourage them to remember us?

First, we should be optimistic. We need to assume that we will, in fact, come face to face with our role models, and we need to be prepared. We will have done our homework to determine if said big shot (or said big shot’s company) has been in the news lately, and our opening statement will demonstrate this knowledge. We will have a goal for the brief conversation — a specific question we want to ask, for example. 

Although we will, no doubt, be screwing up the courage to approach the big shot after his or her session, we must recognize that a different type of meeting might happen by chance. We could unexpectedly meet a big shot in the elevator or at a social event. When opportunity strikes, we must move quickly.

When approaching the big shot, we can’t be too informal, as he or she won’t appreciate a hug from a stranger, but we shouldn’t be too stiff, either. We should be conscious of time, and the longer the line behind us is, the faster we should get out of there.

Finally, we should let no more than three days pass before sending a thank-you e-mail and following up. If we’re lucky, this could be the start of a fruitful new relationship.

Comments

[DC Jobs]

Good tips. Have fun at SXSW, I'm sure you'll have a blast!

[Shevonne]

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([email protected])
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On behalf of
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[Ian Tang]

Hi Alexandra,

Great tip, I wished I had read this post way before your book signing at SXSW.

It was great meeting you.
Thanks for this advice about put yourself out there & work hard at being persistent … even for free if you need to.

Thanks,
Ian

[Alexandra Levit]

@DC Jobs: Thanks!

@Shevonne: Sure, feel free to send your questions to [email protected]. I very much appreciate the honor.

@Ian: Great meeting you too, and don't worry, you were a pro!