Conference networking for Geeks and Dev's err... I mean, "Conference networking for the socially awkward"...

simple-talk - Melanie Townsend - Conference networking for the socially awkward

Do you approach a room full of strangers with excitement at all the new people you’re going to chat to over coffee and a muffin as you swap tales of how you convinced your manager to give you the day “off”? Or, do you find rooms full of strangers intimidating and begin by scouting out a place you can stand quietly and not be in someone’s way until the next session begins?

If you’re on the train to extrovert city, that’s great, well done, move along.

If, on the other hand, a room full of strangers who all seem to inexplicably know each other already is more challenge than opportunity, then making those connections with other professionals can be more difficult. So, here’s some advice, some gleaned from other things I’ve read online when trying to overcome my own discomfort in large groups (hopefully minus the infuriating condescension), others are just things I’ve found helpful over the years.

...

Everyone’s got their own coping technique. Some people are able to remind themselves that “humans are fundamentally social creatures” and somehow that helps them, others drink which is not really something I recommend for professional conferences but to each their own, and some focus on the fact that networking can play a big role in their career path. Just do what works for you, and if there’re any tricks you’ve found helpful over the years, please share em.

..."

It's not that I am social awkward.... um... it's that.... um... well.... you know... people... um...

yeah...

Actually the key thing is to remember that your conference peers are probably as "awkward" as you. As is said, "Fake it until you make it." Just pretend you're comfortable, that all these people around you are not really staring at you, wondering what planet you just arrived from (and you KNOW you took a shower, so it's not THAT) and, well.... Ah hell...

Tell you what. Start with a smile and say "Hi" and see where it goes from there. Remember every journey starts with that first step...