BlogHer - networking - Comments

Beth Engel — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 18:48:30 -0500

I agree - and that's why I focus on Facebook, which is a lot more appropriate - in fact it's perfect - for casual connections.

My mame is Beth Engel. I've been running my own online business, Epic Merchandise, where I sell personalized, engraved gifts, since 2003.

Love the Different Approaches

paulag01 — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 12:46:56 -0500

Penny - thanks so much for the kind words. SO glad you loved the panel. Yes kindred spirits with parts of the story indeed.

Beth & Julie - love your approaches with the social media. I do follow up some in that way as well, follow Twitter for folks that I want to, FB, etc. Here's a question though -- considering the netiquette for LinkedIn is different, in that you really should only be connected with people you know well -- I know I don't personally rush out and add people to LinkedIn. What do others think?

Thanks for the lively discussion!!

Paula Gregorowicz
The Paula G Company

http://www.thepaulagcompany.com

Julie Heinrich — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 19:39:44 -0500

I usually sort through my business cards and contacts' list within a few days after I attend a conference or event.

I look people up on LinkedIn and add them to my network. I always include a personalized note with my network request for them.
I directly email contacts that I do not find on LinkedIn and, again, I write a personalized email (not a cookie cutter email note.)
If I really hit it off with someone, I make a note about them and try to have lunch or dinner with them when I am in their city while travelling.
A great book I would recommend about networking and staying in touch with people is Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi

Facebook!

Beth Engel — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 18:22:07 -0500

My typical follow up plan is tracking people down on Facebook and adding them as friends. I think Facebook is an extremely convenient platform for keeping this type of connections alive.

My mame is Beth Engel. I've been running my own online business, Epic Merchandise, where I sell personalized, engraved gifts, since 2003.

kudos to you

muddslide — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 17:00:43 -0500

Hi Paula,

You also made a really positive impression on me at the presentation where you were on the panel - maybe because we both were in corp. world for 17 years before bailing ;-) And I know I'm a very talented woman despite the rocky unrewarding road I traveled there (bosses were mostly cold fish).

I really appreciated the energy + ideas you put out. Fear does shut a person down - sometimes for YEARS. It's sad.

My Mother used to say "too soon old, too late smart" - hopefully I can combine your advice + hers.

Penny Mudd

@calliopeconsult

I know!

paulag01 — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 16:46:11 -0500

Ah good point JD but perhaps you can do all our follow ups so we don't need to since You Do Things Since We Don't Have To! (I literally couldn't help myself!)

Paula Gregorowicz
The Paula G Company

http://www.thepaulagcompany.com

Great Post, Paula!

I Do Things — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 15:52:20 -0500

Our attention spans get shorter and shorter and we move on to the "next thing" so much more quickly than ever. It's important to follow up in as timely a manner as possible (tho, like Denise, I'm behind!) and to do it right. Thanks for sharing these great tips.

JD at I Do Things So You Don't Have To

Thank You & Timing is a Personal Thing

paulag01 — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 15:33:25 -0500

Hi Whitney, Thanks so much for the kind words - would love to put them on my speakers sheet :-)

What I do is each day/break -- make a note on the back of cards (or a notebook if someone has one of those darn glossy things I can't write on!)... where I was when I met them and a quick abbreviation of what we talked about. I have code words for some particular follow ups (like if someone wants to connect about my services) so I can recall better when I follow up. While each conversation is memorable after 3 days of jam packed information and cocktail parties and then 3 days vacation well the mind can only do so much! I find it helps me a lot and takes the pressure off.

Denise - you just confirm what I shared about timing. Timing is well personal based on what you need to do post-event, the type of job responsibilities, etc. That is my general rule of thumb (because otherwise I know I'll lose energy about it & let it slide), but truly the point is timely -- as in when you email the person they will know who you were. For instance time has past for those BlogHer '08 follow ups ;-)

Paula Gregorowicz
The Paula G Company

http://www.thepaulagcompany.com

Follow ups are coming in...

Denise — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 15:18:50 -0500

I get pitched a lot. Some pitches rock. Some pitches not so much. I like the 48 hour follow up plan but... forgive me to those of you who follow this rule, I haven't had time to read the follow ups you're sending. :-) But I will. I promise. They're all safe and sound in a folder in my inbox and I'll read them this weekend.

~Denise
BlogHer Community Manager

Flamingo House Happenings

I'm totally with you

whitneymoss — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 15:16:52 -0500

Paula,

I was in the session during which you were on the panel. You were one of the most professional, focused panelists at the whole conference. Thank you for that.

I am in total agreement with your suggestion and have been panicking about how the memories of conversations I had there are fading as I haven't gotten to the action items I had noted during the conference.

Thanks for the kick in the pants.

Whitney

http://www.rookiemoms.com

Wow

mashadutoit — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 03:41:17 -0500

This is great and so well timed!

My students are about to start a client brief involving lots of presentations. These are all very useful. Thanks!

Just remember...

windysblog — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 12:06:56 -0500

everyone is new at the beginning. I still get nervous, but when I realize that most everyone else is too, it helps. Good luck to you!

I'm so bad about networking!

Crabby McSlacker — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 11:59:25 -0500

And I tend to get nervous in new settings. But this post reminded me that it's really worth doing. Thanks!

Be present and forget it is all about me

Wilma Ham — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 18:57:27 -0500

I used to hate these events and as I felt it was all about being judged I used to be so focused on me, I forgot to be observant and read the clues. I hated that!

Now I go with one thing in mind, to add value to whom I meet and to focus on them and NOT on me. I am no longer trying to sell myself and that has left me to do what I normally do well, observe and connect and have a great conversation.
This way the authentic me has a chance to show up and 'that me' is a whole lot better than the nervous wreck who was trying to make an impression.

That attitude had made such a difference, I feel so less needy and even there and then I have the power to decide if something is for me or not, because somehow this way honesty has a chance to show up and have each of us declare our neeeds and wants.
I also have realized that the others are selling as well and I do not have to buy either.

That has given me my self steem and power back and I perform so much better, phew.

Wilma Ham

www.wilmasblog.com

I find it odd that there is

Headless Mom — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 19:56:53 -0600

I find it odd that there is nothing in the LA area. Any thoughts?