Networking for Bloggers

Getting off the laptop and going out there to actually get connected to people is quintessential for a blogger. This was a fact that I realized after one year of blogging. I put aside my laptop, ditched Google for a while and went out to meet new people. I did not know what I will do or say once I meet them.

Networking is a frequently discussed topic and a challenge for some until they actually dive into it. Recently I attended the Indibogger meet in Delhi where bloggers from varied niches had come. Although I have attended many meets like these, still the demons cropped up and said – “What am I going to do here?” I have put down some tips here for those who are attacked by similar demons:

1. Go with the flow: Don’t take the meets too seriously and walk around with a worried face trying TO GET something or meet a target you set for yourself. People will sense and run away from you. These meetups are meant to break the ice and have fun. A small talk between two bloggers may seem useless, but it breaks the ice. This brings me to the next point of “being interested”

2. Be interested in others: Most people are there to tell people about themselves. They want others to know who they are and what they do. Here is what I have to say – “People are NOT interested in who you are”. At least not if you keep on blowing your own trumpet

Most people try to “be interesting” rather than “being interested”. It is about forming relationships after all. You do not sell yourself and crack a business deal in a conference itself. You form a relationship with the right people with whom you may find a common purpose in future. Listen to what they say and know who they really are as a person

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3. Choose few over many: Often times I am tempted to meet and speak to everyone out there. After all some might be my role models. However, I have seen that in the attempt to speak to everyone and make connections everywhere, I do not give quality time with anyone of them

I might end up doing lot of conversations, but I will not come back having formed relationships with people whom I will remember

4. Carry business cards: I have met people whom I wanted to stay in touch with and know more about what they do. We spoke for a while and really got interested in each others work. But when I asked for a business card, here is what they said – “Oh Sorry. I am still getting one designed. Can I write it on a piece of paper?” I do not walk around carrying pieces of paper and neither do they

It is also considered unprofessional to not carry a business card or not offer yours when you ask for one. Be sure to carry a sufficient supply of well designed business cards that truly reflect who you are

5. Dress according to the occasion: Someone once said to me – “Who you are is how you dress up”. I once saw a person walk into a meet with a polka dot shirt and blue knickers. In the world of travel writers, we do not expect someone to wear a Tuxedo. But, a casual, warm and welcoming attire would be good. This person got a lot of attention and he seemed to be spending good time with people. I wish he went beyond becoming an object of entertainment

Uh! I just realized. Was it an attention grabbing strategy to dress up like that?

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