Quote:
Originally Posted by JerryF
I'm looking into attending my first show(s) in the next 12 months and was hoping that some of the veterans and/or others might have some tips, advice or observations about networking at them.
Just to be clear I'm a sort-of-noob - - i have a strong background in web, seo, etc but am running my first adult websites and have no real contacts, friends, relationships, etc with people in the biz.
I'm always a bit shy and knowing me will probably feel out of place at the shows (like a noob who doesn't belong  ), and was hoping to garner a bit of info and advice so that MAYBE i can avoid feeling that way and come out of my shell a bit and make attending a show or two worthwhile, and actually accomplish something with my attendance! |
Hi Jerry
One great thing about this biz is everyone is pretty friendly. There is no need to be shy. Spark up a conversation in the elevator, by the bar, in the lobby before you head out to dinner with your client. There are so many people like you looking to meet new people and get ideas and business taken care of.
BE YOURSELF!!! Most important thing is to be you. If people like you for who you are then they will enjoy doing biz with you too. I started 2 years ago and I had the same feelings you are having right now. I felt I didn't know anyone or have any friends to hang out with at the shows. I was on my own with a bunch of guys in a room I had no idea who they were but I was there to network with them. I never seen myself as a shy person but I definitely was intimidated at my first show. My solution was you just have to go for it, if you don't ask you will never know. Introduce yourself no one will turn their back to you for putting yourself out there. They will be more inclined to do biz with you if you are an initiator.
Getting to know people regardless if you can or cannot do biz with them is also important. You may not be able to work with someone who is offering hosting cause you already have a hosting company but that guy may know someone you need or want to do biz with and you will end up meeting them before the end of the show cause the hosting guy introduced you two. Make the most of it, shows go by fast and there are a lot of people there to see and talk to, don?t let an opportunity pass you by.
Getting to know who you want to meet and or talk to before you get to a show. I found using sites such as Adult Who?s Who and Xbiz.net to see who is attending the show and get some background info on that company and/or individual. The best reactions I get are when I walk up to someone and I already know there name, who they work for, and what they have to offer. You?ll definitely impress the person you?re speaking to, especially if you already know who they are without having ever met them before, and they?ll be more receptive to doing business with you.
