Networking at Shows
 

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 :disgust), 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!

Not knowing you site or what you have to offer, I'd say just be yourself and don't go with an attitude! Be open to advice and suggestions. Forget your background cause you are right, you are a noob:thumbsup

In this biz connections is everything, so make as many as you can and try to meet everyone. Don't let the parties get the best of you and use them to network to the max.

It helps if you can bring a hot chick with you because then all the horny webmasters and program reps will want to talk to you:Graucho If you are cool like me...you can leave hot chick at home:1orglaugh

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.

:thumbsup:thumbsup

go at one of the shows that is closed to the public like phoenix forum, miami internext, cybernet expo - NOT Las Vegas. in this case you know that everyone in the hotel is in the biz. then go to the hotel bar and order the next best person a beer and go from there - lol. worked for me ;)

and: check the "roll-call" threads on here before the show and try to remember some names/faces. "Hey, are you XXXXXXX from GFY" works also quite well for a first introduction. and usually your first contact will introduce you very quickly to more people... and the rest is a breeze.

:)

and if you meet Hank just hand him a jack&coke and you will have a friend for life :1orglaugh

sign up earily and send all the sponsors an email plus signup for the sponsor programs so you can talk about them and how you can work together more...

so try it with me, signup to XonDemand
webmaster - http://webmaster.xondemand.com
studio - http://studio.xondemand.com

then send me an email [email protected]
like an overview of your skillz...
most large sponsors work with ALL affiliates and they all do something a little different...

I will see you @Internext vegas ;- ) 2010 :pimp

show tips
1. register early
2. setup meet/greet with several companies that you intend to work with or learn more about.
3. get a list of all events at the show, parties and seminars. spend networking is great just make sure to bring 100+ cards to hand out with your contact info and picture on card;-)
4. stop at every booth at the show and pick up information plus drop off yours.
5. drink a little before you go so you can handle 3-4 nights of no sleep and several drinks..
6. make it fun and do some biz

:thumbsup

Serious Advice:

Just be friendly and 'HI' to EVERYONE you met!

Remember... These people are not at the show to play 'Secret Squirrel'... They will ALL SAY HI BACK!

And explain who they are... If they are looking for webcam traffic... And you are not applicable... Then that's cool... You just move on...

But If They are into stuff that YOU are into... You will do biz !#


Simples!

Serious Advice:

Just be friendly and 'HI' to EVERYONE you met!

Remember... These people are not at the show to play 'Secret Squirrel'... They will ALL SAY HI BACK!

And explain who they are... If they are looking for webcam traffic... And you are not applicable... Then that's cool... You just move on...

But If They are into stuff that YOU are into... You will do biz !



Simples!

Lots of great tips and advice guys, thank you very much. :)

Bring blow and hookers they always help break the ice.

jerry,

just be yourself and remember to ASK QUESTIONS! Anyone who is in this biz and serious/successful won't be hesitant to answer any questions because they've been there themselves. And honestly, I've been in the biz for 6 years now and I'm still asking questions and learning things every day.

Also, a program like ours (TopBucks) has great, knowledgeable reps who can help you along. Right now, we're educating a lot of webmasters (yes even noobs) on mobile porn. I think you should get started there before the market gets saturated.

Hit me up or one of our reps up if you have any questions or need anything.

-L
263003699

Bring an eight ball.

Damn so that's how affiliate managers get the whales :winkwink:

Don't get drunk as hell and pass out early :)

If you want a whale don't forget to bring a hooker.

What the heck is secret squirrel?

And yes, we are a friendly bunch. Say hi! Mingle! If people seem cliquey, don't be intimidated. Some of us have known each other for years so we get quite chummy. Just walk on over and introduce yourself. And yes, bring buckets of cards. Bring more than you think you'll need, then double it. It's never a bad idea to be prepared :)

Secret Squirrel means keeping their cards close to their chests...

I mean, If I walked up to you, at a show, in the hotel, and said 'Hi' Im Bill... I run such and such;

You ain't gonna say FUCK OFF !

Of my 'such and such; doesn't apply to your biz.. Then I have no doubt that you will politely say so...

And O can move on.. BUT.. Although I have never met you personally... (For the sake of example) I'm sure that if your Biz, isnt EXACTLY in line with mine... That there wont be any problems :)

In other words, all is good.... Im suggesting that the OP goes to a show, walks round, and announces who is, and what he does..

I'm sure you'll agree, that if He/She does so... They wont go far wrong :)

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DXqwAeak1G...t_Squirrel.gif

Thats secret Squirrel

Heres 'his' wiki!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secret_Squirrel

I was wondering how long before this comment was made....:1orglaugh:1orglaugh

Ahhh thanks for the clarification!

And yes, you're absolutely right. We're a very open and welcoming bunch of folks, really. Not too many secret squirrels :)

:) :) :) :) :)

Yep.. To Clarify... Wasnt suggesting its a bunch of 'JaneB;s :)