The BusyEvent Blog

I love to network. It’s part of my social DNA. And I’ve been gathering ideas on how to work a room from many years of social networking… I’m by no means a master of this list, but I aspire to the following:

1. People like to talk about themselves, so give them a chance and then listen carefully for how you can help them… if you can’t, then introduce them to someone who can. People really appreciate it when you introduce them to something that can help their career. And they will typically remember and speak highly of you.

2. If you’re doing the talking, make sure they REALLY appear interested. If not – STOP – ask a question and see if you can get them to engage you at a deeper level.

3. If you’re at a networking event prior to a meal, be aware who you are talking to in the 5-10 minutes leading up to the meal. There’s a high probability you’ll be sitting together. I met my spouse this way so I can tell you with great confidence that this is an important one!

4. Approach groups containing 3 people after observing them for a moment. While two of them are chatting to each other, the third person will usually start talking to you (and probably feel relieved since they were the “odd person out” in the group of three. By the same token, invite someone into your group to breath some new life into a discussion. Then politely excuse yourself if your ready to move on.

5. How do you answer when someone asks, “What do you do?” When someone asks you this question, use this simple formula: “Have you ever_____? Well, I ______?” For example, when people ask me what I do, I respond, “Have you ever attended a trade show or event and waited in a long line or participated in a bad lead management process? Well I help organizations to improve the event experience for attendees, vendors and sponsors so everyone gets something valuable for their time and money.” It shows you understand the problem and offer a solution. Bonus points if you stop to gather a personal story and respond to it.

6. How to handle business cards. Use two suit pockets or two compartments in your purse. Have your own cards in one pocket and use the other pocket to store cards you’ve received from other people. The benefit is you’ll never get confused and accidentally give out someone else’s card by mistake.

7. How to keep track of everyone you meet. Bring a pen. After meeting someone, make a note on the back of his or her card. In your note, write down any key points they’ve made or any way you can be of assistance to them. If you’ve committed to help someone with information, write it down on the card so you can follow up later.

8. Name dropping? Don’t do it unless the person you are naming would support you without hesitation. A wise person once said, “It isn’t who you know, its who knows you.” Impress the person you are speaking with by helping them with a problem or introducing them to a solution. Then eventually people will drop your name into conversation.

9. Give freely of your knowledge. Don’t give away your secret formula or next patent idea, but truly share your experience with those who seek it. Chances are if you give a taste of your wisdom to someone, they will return for something more meaningful. And that could be your next big opportunity.

10. Be patient, be relaxed, pause for reflection. People listen more intently to those who have less to say and appear to be really weighing their words. Someone who appears to be selling their agenda will find themselves speaking to people who are excusing themselves for a drink, another person or a plate of food. If they don’t offer for you to join them. Send them on their way with a smile and learn from it.

11. Don’t dwell too long. Don’t be a buzzing bee all over the flower patch, but also make sure you decide what your goal is as you speak to people. Set follow-up activities with each appropriate person (take business card notes) and you can both move on to the next opportunity to meet someone new. Body language will tell you a lot about when the time is right.

Wiffiti, a truly “place-based” communications system, is now part of the beOnSite module of BusyEvent bringing communications to every event with a new and intriguing twist.

A product of our newest partner, Locamoda, Wiffiti brings the power of SMS to the beOnSite digital signage networks that are available for events, throughout our calendar.

After first learning about their text-to-screen product known as Wiffiti (wireless graffiti) about 2 years ago, we’ve watched the continued improvement and growth of the product and now feel confident that it is of such superior utility and quality (plus, it’s amazingly fast), that we’re comfortable including it as a standard offering in the beOnSite module.

When you send a text message to Wiffiti, you text a PLACE, instead of a PERSON. Utilizing the BusyEvent OnSite Digital Signage Network, now event attendees can do both: place a message in full view of the entire attendee network with a specific message for a specific person, or group of people.

Plus, it’s waaaaay fun!

There are all kinds of Wiffiti screens all over the United States and now a Wiffiti screen is going to be coming to an event near you (or that you attend).

Go on, try it out…Wiffiti is LIVE, it’s SIMPLE and it’s FUN!