We all know ninjas. They go in all sneaky-like and do their business under the cover of secrecy. Since we’re talking BlogWorld (and what happens in Vegas stays on the internet forever), here are some decidedly non-ninja-like tips for making the most of your BlogWorld experience:
- If you end up waffling between going to a panel versus meeting someone one-on-one to network, go for the personal connection. While the BlogWorld speakers are great, you’re probably going to get more long-term benefit from spending some time with another attendee or speaker in a more personal setting.
- If you are planning to meet someone, connect ahead of time. Learn a bit about them and their company or projects. Send them a quick hello on Twitter or leave a blog comment indicating that you’d like to connect. Even though a lot of folks are really busy during BlogWorld, I’ve never known ANYONE to turn down an opportunity to meet someone new. There’s a reason we’re all disrupting our lives to head to Las Vegas… you’re not inconveniencing someone by wanting to meet.
- On a somewhat-related note, make it a goal to introduce yourself to at least one A-lister while you’re at BlogWorld. Find someone who you admire and is “internet famous” and make it a point to find them and say hi. If you’re nervous, think ahead of time about what you might say. Ask a question about something they’ve written. Compliment them on a recent article. Run up and ask them to autograph your iPad
Hint: even the A-listers will talk to you. They might be popular, but one of the reasons they got popular is that they’re personable. Last year I connected with one of the well-known names and it’s had a direct impact both financially and with exposure. Just do it. - Have business cards on you at all times. And a pen – so that when you exchange cards, you can make a quick note on the card if you have some sort of action item or followup to perform. My favorite pen that writes on darned near anything are the Sharpie 37001 Ultra Fine Point Permanent Markers
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- Dress comfortably including good shoes. Vegas is a big city and even those parties or networking events which are “next door” might mean a walk of a mile. Plan on being on your feet a lot and walking.
- Don’t make time management decisions based on the potential for a freebie. I’ve seen several speakers touting that they’re going to have swag and other goodies to give away at their sessions, and that’s cool, but don’t go to a session just for the chance at a prize. Some sessions will have hundreds of attendees and your odds are slim. Choose your panels based on the information or the people… not the potential winnings.
- Visit the expo floor and talk to vendors. Yes, they are there to try to sell you something in some form. But in order to do that, they want to see you succeed. Find out if their product or service is a good match for your blog… last year at BlogWorld I made connections with vendors that led to new revenue opportunities as well as exposure for increased traffic. You won’t really learn about all of these opportunities unless you have conversations… don’t be that guy who is simply in a mad rush to grab as much swag as possible.
- FREE BONUS TIP: Pack the right stuff. Come back tomorrow for an article with my BlogWorld packing list.
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