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I'm going to Boston tonight for the HOW Magazine Design Conference, through Wednesday. Networking is critical to any HOW conference experience. There's plenty of vague advice about networking, but what it boils down to is just be yourself, be friendly, and talk to people. Everyone has something interesting to talk about, you just have to figure out what that is. You are not running a race, you are making friends. Some of these friends may eventually give you money.
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1) Big groups are always better
Statistically speaking, you'll make a solid connection with one in ten people. Make sure that one person is having lunch with you by inviting ten people along. Which brings me to my next point,
2) Drag singles along
People standing around by themselves are waiting for you to invite them along to lunch. Even if they're waiting for another person or two, absorb them, too. Pretty soon you'll have your big group, and everyone benefits.
3) Don't dance with the one you brung
If you come with a group from work, leave them behind. You already know them. Also, there will be little chance of them finding out about how you acted while on the furry bus.
4) Nicotine Networking for nonsmokers
Even if you don't smoke, spend some time talking to smokers. They're usually alone and really want to talk to you.
5) Plan fast, eat slowly
Find a good meeting place and make sure you tell people to meet you there. Don't worry too much about where you're going, just pick the first suggestion that anyone makes and pretend like you've heard good things about it.
6) Use other peoples' business cards for notes
You will discover useful information by talking to people. If this information is useful enough to save, try to write a quick note on their business card so you can associate it with that person.
7) Organize your business card collection
Each day and when you return home, organize the business cards you picked up into piles based on how likely you will be contacting them in the future. Or how much you liked them.
8) How to remember names
When you first meet a person, instead of paying too much attention to the small talk try to say their name in your head every few seconds. After a minute or so, try to use their name out loud by introducing them to someone else.
9) How to remember faces (hint: bring a camera)
Bring a camera. Go through the photos frequently, and assign names to the faces. Faces are easier to remember than names. Later, change the filename of the photo to the names of the people in it. If you get an email from somebody you met, check over the folder of photos to jog your memory.
10) Don't drop the ball - use your new contacts
As soon as you get back, check over your business card collection for notes you made. Send them an email. Otherwise, why did you write those notes down?
When I got back from Atlanta, I sent out an email to each person that I had a business card for. I asked if they wanted to be a part of a small email list to talk about design, clients, life, or whatever. That list became the basis for planning this year's conference.
You never know when the next person you meet might be your next big project, or employee, or friend. The only way to find out is to talk to them.
