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
That’s why we’re bringing back the speed networking sessions from last year! Speed Networking takes all the guesswork, awkwardness, and uncomfortable feelings out of networking by giving you the chance to meet other WordCampers in a very specific way — we manage the entire thing!
Plus, the Speed Networking session is on Saturday just before lunch, so you’ll be able to 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 Speed Networking?
Speed 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 keep reading if you want to prepare in advance so you sound like a total pro…
How It Works
At the Speed Networking session, 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!
- Once everyone has shared, you’ll have 60 second to exchange business cards with those you want to keep in touch with.
- The groups will break up and you will find a new group.
- Each member of the group will have 60 seconds to share a message with the group — and it will be timed!
- Once everyone has shared, you’ll have 60 second to exchange business cards with those you want to keep in touch with.
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
- Your business name OR website
- Who your serve (short client/customer description)
- What you do
- 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…
- My business/blog/website is…
- I help [ideal client description]
- 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 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. I also offer courses and training for freelance designers and developers and small business owners at Jenniferbourn.com.
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 brought you to WordCamp.
- 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!
We Need You To Help Make This Work
We have time to run THREE rounds of Speed Networking during the session… but only with your help.
Last year the one problem we ran into with this session was the desire of some attendees to keep chatting. Unfortunately, that made it hard to hear the facilitator (me) who needed to use some tough love to get things on track, which isn’t as fun! Plus, it’s a drag for those who are ready to start and have to wait, and wait, and wait.
If you’re going to attend this session to meet more people, here’s what we ask of you:
- Stick to your 60 seconds. Don’t go over and keep talking because then you’re stealing time from someone else.
- Find a group quickly. Please don’t mingle with a friend or take extra time checking social media.
- Wait to ask for or exchange business cards until everyone in your group has shared.
- The 60 second business card exchange is to exchange business cards, not to keep talking and start conversations. If you do that, we won’t have time to fit in three rounds of networking. If there is someone you want to chat more with, invite them to meet up in the hall or door after the session and sit with you at lunch.
- When switching groups, move quickly, find a spot, and be ready to get started.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation. If we all can do this, we’re going to have fun and meet lots of new people!
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!
Thank you! This information is so helpful, so I won’t be caught without any ideas for what to say (especially since I’m still developing my blog). Also, it’s getting me to consider branding, business cards, what do I need, etc.