So during BlogHer10 there were quite a few things that others did and that I too did that were very annoying and frustrating. Lessons learned I will call them, some of which are amusing,, some more concerning. So as the days progressed I started to document them, so that I could share not only with you bloggies but also if someone is looking for some guidance next year they can read my Do and Do not list:) hahaha (and maybe laugh and or pause for a moment).
HUGE DISCLAIMER- I'm not attacking anyone and you are entitled to pick and choose of these which are offensive and acceptable to you.
Let's just start by saying this was my first BLOGGING conference, but it was not my first conference. In my primary career field we often have conferences or seminars both locally and nationally where we continue and update our education, network, market and have fun seeing people who work in various parts of the country and various 'genres'. We have fun going to parties or dinners after hours.
DO NOT Hold your hand up to ask a question for 40 minutes and turn your ears off. What you often will realize is the question will be answered while your waiting, so you can put your hand DOWN and listen and wait till its Q/A time.
DO NOT Okay I know this is a blogging conference, and social networking is of utmost importance as follower and stats matter. But maybe if your at a SOCIAL conference,, use this time to I dunno GET OFF YOUR PHONE AND COMPUTER for five minutes to be SOCIAL!. This drove me nuts and I understand the irony of this offending me, and perhaps its because there is NO way during my 'work related conferences' would we ever insult a guest speaker by texting/messaging or typing during their presentation. I do understand that you may need to set up a meeting or meet up with people after a class or luncheon,, but if your going to be glued to your computer and not acknowledge the person next to you or the rest of the people at the table around you... maybe you should have stayed home cause I think your missing the SOCIAL part.
DO make new friends at each table/chance opportunity. You might read my name-tag (and I might read yours) and it may not seem like a super catchy blog you have read before, but perhaps,, your blog is the one that will change my life (or vice versa). If there is an empty seat, grab it and start a conversation with the person next to you, exchanged business cards, share knowledge and empart wisdom. SO much of this happened that I LOVE LOVE LOVED, but you DO have to not be shy for about 2.2 seconds and just sit your tushy down! (Anyone can fake being un-shy for 2.2 seconds right?)
DO NOT leave the sound on your computer or cell phone so I can hear every tweet,text, chime that you receive. That is RUDE, and doesn't impress me at all.
DO NOT chug champagne at a party because you have another party to get to. Champagne will mess you up!
DO NOT assume you can get to every party, but DO wear comfortable shoes so that you can TRY!!!
DO feel free to talk to other Bloggies on the elevator, some of my favorite conversations were stuck on the elevator for much longer than needed to go up or down some stairs.
DO NOT try to catch a cab when they are all switching shifts.
DO NOT Use a 'question' at a seminar as an excuse to promote yourself shamelessly. Its one thing to introduce yourself, its another thing to introduce,plug,promote, and give a 10 minute tutorial on what you sell why you sell it and why your the best and most honorable person to buy from (GAG).
DO NOT go to a table of people and pass out your business card before introducing yourself or taking even an IOTA of a second to I dunno.... ask who you just dumped the cards (that are not cute!) if they have names or intersts or even WANT your card. Oh PS.. I threw it out!.
DO sit down at a table of strangers and chat and introduce yourself and get to know the people who you are speaking with and ask for THEIR business cards (if your likely to read their blog) and offer yours in trade. Result: meeting people different from you that help make you more awesome! SCORE!
DO Give it a try! Next year is in S.Diego and I will not be attending as I'll be getting married a few weeks before so I'll be in wedded bliss or something. But you should either go to BlogHer or Blissdom, or I think there is a Canadian Blogher, and look nearby and if there is not a meetup,, create one!
3 comments:
I agree! I went to Blissdom for the first time this year and it was a little overwhelming! I think your Dos and Don'ts are perfect for a new conference goer!
You're awesome. I admire your extrovert personality. As an introvert I fell it's easier for me to have a root canal done than talking to strangers. Yes, it is that difficult. But yes, I did try when I was at our conferences and faked the whole thing. However I do admire those like you that are not afraid of rooming free and with no worries among the crowd. Sounds like you had a great time.
great feeback!!
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