Let me guess…
You want to meet other attendees at WordCamp… but you’re shy or introverted, or you just hate networking because it’s awkward. Maybe you don’t know what to say or you feel uncomfortable walking up to people you don’t know and saying hello because you feel like you’re interrupting. Or maybe, you feel just a bit intimidated because you think everyone else knows more than you do.
Did I get that right?
If you were nodding your head in agreement, you are not alone. Let me share a secret with you: Almost EVERY WordCamp attendee feels the same way. Every advanced developers come to WordCamp and suffer from impostor syndrome.
We’re Making Networking Easy
This year, we’re trying something new — a facilitated networking session. That’s basically just a fancy way of telling you that we’re taking all the guesswork, awkwardness, and uncomfortable feelings out of networking by giving you the chance to meet other WordCampers in a very specific way.
Plus, the facilitated networking session is on Saturday just before lunch, so you’ll meet new people and make new connections before lunch. This means you’ll have new folks to eat lunch with and hang with at the networking reception.
What’s facilitated networking?
Facilitated networking is guided networking.
Instead of being left on your own to introduce yourself to strangers, you’ll be following specific instructions. We’re going to tell you what to say and who to say it to, and you’ll be moving around the room so you meet as many people as possible.
You’ll receive instructions at the event, but if you want to prepare in advance so you sounds like a total pro…
How It Works
The facilitated networking session is called Speed Networking because you’re going to meet as many people as possible in a short amount of time.
Here’s how it works:
- Session attendees will break into small groups.
- Each member of the group will have 60 seconds to share a message with the group — and it will be timed!
- If you’re interested in continuing the conversation with a member of your group, you can ask them for a business card.
- Once everyone has shared, the groups will break up and find new groups.
- Each member of the group will have 60 seconds to share a message with the group — and it will be timed!
- If you’re interested in continuing the conversation with a member of your group, you can ask them for a business card.
The number and size of the groups will be based on the number of attendees in the room. In this setting, business cards are not for you to pass out, they are to be asked for with intention.
Here’s what we’re going to ask you to share in 60 seconds:
- Your name and what brought you to WordCamp
- Your business name / website
- Who your ideal client or customer is / who you like to work with or who buys from you
- A big result your clients or customers experience
- What you do to help them / how your product helps them
- What would best help you right now / what you need or are looking for today
Your 60 seconds will sound something like:
- My name is…
- I came to WordCamp to/because…
- My business/blog/website is…
- I help [ideal client description]
- Achieve/do/be/get [big result]
- Through/by [service/product/what you do]
- What would really help me today is…
My 60 seconds looks like this:
My name is Jennifer Bourn. I make my living and pay my mortgage with WordPress, and I also have a personal blog called Inspired Imperfection that’s powered by WordPress. I am here today because I am lead organizer for the event.
I am founding partner at Bourn Creative, a full service design and development agency that helps successful business owners whose websites represent where they have been not where they are going, transform underperforming sites into powerful, profitable platforms. I do that through speaking, consulting, and highly-personalized, done-for-you services.
What would really help me today are referrals to business owners who are ready to redesign their brand or website to reflect their level of expertise and professionalism, or referrals to groups and organizations of business owners, entrepreneurs, and freelancers who may be interested in having me speak.
Freaked out about 60 seconds?
Your 60 seconds doesn’t have to be crafted in advance — and it doesn’t even have to be fancy. Please, don’t stress about this! The most important thing is that you show up and be yourself, and share what brought you to WordCamp.
- If you don’t have a business, website, or blog yet, share what you want to create or the idea you have that brought you to WordCamp.
- If you don’t have an ideal customer, think about why you’re doing what you’re doing and who you want to see it. Who do you want to read your blog? Who uses or will use your website?
- If you don’t have a big result from a service or product, think about the impact your website or blog has on those who visit it. How does it help them? What do they learn? Or, think about what you hope to achieve with a new website or blog you want to launch.
- Don’t have a service or product you’re selling — a thing you do in exchange for money? No sweat! What you do is all about your own expertise and experience. Are you working on a site as a volunteer or a board member? Do you have a specific talent or skill you want to share? Do you have a unique story or experience others could benefit from?
- Not sure what would help you? Think about what you need that could alleviate some stress. Do you need help with a specific problem? Do you have a goal you’re trying to reach? Are you looking for a specific resource — it doesn’t even have to be WordPress related! Looking for a referral to a great pool guy or a reliable local printer, ask away!
Join Us At WordCamp
WordCamp Sacramento actually sold out on September 5, 2017! Luckily, several sponsors didn’t end up needing all of their tickets and they released the tickets for anyone who may want to join us at the last minute!