Me and Fiona from Oh Gorgeous Baby at Blogopolis {image credit}
Straight up I’ll have to say this post is for bloggers, but if you’re not a blogger you might still find the tips helpful.
A while back someone asked if I would do a crash test on how to make small talk at a conference. Well, this isn’t exactly a crash test, but I thought I could share a few tips that have helped me get through attending events in my first 6 months of blogging.
Almost 6 months ago to the day, I hit publish on my brand new blog, put on my lipstick and walked into a bar full of people I didn’t know for my first blogging event. Crazy, yes?
It was the pre-conference drinks for Blogopolis and I didn’t know who was a blogger and who wasn’t. So I just asked someone, “Are you a blogger?” Luckily she was, but unfortunately I was so terrified I don’t remember who she was. What I do remember is that she introduced me to Denyse Whelan, who took me under her wing, chatted to me and introduced me to other bloggers.
It was nice to go to the conference the next day having met a handful of people already, including Fiona from Oh Gorgeous Baby from the photo above. It made it a lot easier. I was still terrified though and couldn’t introduce myself to the bloggers whom I admired like Darren Rowse, Nicole Avery, Nikki Parkinson and Eden Riley. I kicked myself afterwards for wasting an opportunity to say hello.
Tip: Make a list of people you want to meet
So, at the next conference, Problogger Event, I made a list of the people I wanted to catch up with again and those I wanted to meet. I figured if I could survive introducing myself to Darren Rowse then I could probably introduce myself to others without anything terrible happening. I was right. I made myself go up and talk to every single person on that list – all 30 of them. That meant a lot of small talk, which isn’t always easy, especially when you’re feeling nervous.
5 prompts for making small talk at DPCON12
Which brings me to how to make small talk at the upcoming Digital Parents Conference in March. Luckily the fabulous team has made this a little easier for you, as I noticed there will be a speed dating session to break the ice. You’re going to need to have some questions ready, yes? Here we go:
1. Where have you travelled from today?
Depending on the answer you can follow up with things like, “Have you been to Melbourne before?” or “I’m from Melbourne too, who do your barrack for” (but don’t ask me this question, I’m from New Zealand and don’t understand AFL!). You can even talk about things like “How was your flight?”, “How was the traffic/public transport”, “Are you staying around for the weekend?”
2. Tell me about your blog, what do you write about?
You can follow this up with questions like “How long have you been blogging” , “Is it your first blog?”. Now you can expect to get the same question to be asked in return, so try and have a clear answer ready. You’ll be surprised how difficult it can be to explain what your blog is about. Keep it short and sweet – ever heard of an elevator pitch? Three of four sentences that explains what your blog is about, who you write it for and what you aim to do, for example:
“My blog is Crash Test Mummy. I crash test the internet looking for ways to make life easier and motherhood more fun! (short version)”
If asked what I crash test:
“I crash test tips, advice and products that help mums get organised, take care of themselves and have fun.”
3. Have you been to a blogging conference or event before?
If the answer is yes you can ask them about the events they have attended. If the answer is no, then ask them if they know anyone else at the conference. If you know other bloggers offer to introduce them. If neither of you know anyone else that’s fine – you just found yourself a blogging buddy to hang out with!
4. Which of the workshops or panel sessions are you going to in the afternoon?
Depending on their answer you can ask more questions. For example, if they are going to the brand and business panels you can ask them about their business or plans for a business. (There will be one very nervous speaker on one of those panels by the way – wink, wink!)
You might find an impassioned fellow writer to attend the writing workshop with, or someone who will introduce you to Nicole Avery at the Blog Boost workshop.
5. I’ve got x kids, how about you?
I think it’s pretty safe to assume that most people at the conference will have kids. Offer to talk about your family first if you’re comfortable sharing and try and gauge if they are too before asking them too many questions about their kids. Remember, not everyone will blog about their kids in detail or use their actual names. Respect people’s privacy.
All pretty basic suggestions, but enough to get you started I hope. I think the best advice I have though is to try and break the ice as early as possible.
Tip: Make connections before the conference
Follow the conference hash tag on Twitter #DPCON12 and see if you can find a buddy to attend the conference with. It’s always preferable to walking in alone.
Go to the pre-conference drinks, which I happen to be organising! It’s always easier to talk to people in a relaxed environment with a drink in hand. You can use the same small talk prompts above to get you started.
Pre-conference drinks
I’m still working on this, but it’s looking promising. I’m hoping to have our own exclusive space so you can feel comfortable walking in and meeting lots of other bloggers. If you’re interested in coming along and you haven’t already, send me a tweet at @crashtest_mummy. It’s likely to be a limited number (due to venue space) but free ticketed event. I’ll keep you updated via my Facebook page, here on the blog and on Twitter, so make sure you’re following me so you don’t miss out when tickets are released.
Gee I hope I can pull this off! I’m doing this completely voluntarily, it’s not an official conference event and I’m not making any money from it. Just so you know.
So, do you have any tips or experiences you could add to my guide?
Laney x
Nice advice. I believe I met you sitting at that Blogopolis table!! :) See you in March
Caz’s last post..BLOGGING: Crunch time with a blue hat.
We did indeed and I’m glad I was at that table ;) It made it so much easier turning up to the Mitsubishi event knowing you would be there.
Great advice and looking forward to catching up with you this year. It is crazy and hard to take the first step to introduce yourself but most bloggers are wonderful and very happy to say Hi. So looking forward to it! N x
Naomi Ellis’s last post..P & O Cruises Australia Pacific Dawn
Looking forward to seeing you too Naomi. I remember you were one of the lovely blogger Denyse introduced me to at the pre-conference drinks ;)
Excellent post Laney! I think DPCon is going to be great. One thing that’s always helped me is to tweet when you’re flying in or arriving and ask if anyone wants to meet up. I’ve met and shared cabs with some great bloggers who I might not have met otherwise by doing this :)
Vanessa Monaghan’s last post..Crashing A Campervan In Yellowstone
That’s a great idea Vanessa – I’ve noticed that on conference hash tags before other events. I did my post in a bit of a hurry late last night, so I’m relying on the more experienced bloggers to pitch in here and help out ;)
Reading this has actually got me a little nervous about attending the conference….I have no game plan eek!! My main concern is that I know some peeps by their name but not their blog name and some vice versa…so I know that I am not going to “recognize” some people. If they do not look identical to their profile pic, then Im in even more trouble :)
kirri’s last post..How do I deal with perfectionism?
Please don’t be nervous! You don’t need so much of a game plan but an idea of what you want to get out of the conference. Yes, it can be hard trying to recognise someone you have only seen as a 50px x 50px image!
Great tips Laney. Was so pleased to have met you at the pre drinks of problogger event as it made it easier knowing more familiar faces the next day. Looking forward to catching up again x
Martine’s last post..3 ways to get children to cooperate: cues to better behaviour
Thanks Martine. Looking forward to seeing you again too!
Great post Laney – looking forward to the pre conference drinks (i still need to sort out flights – eek).
I think you are incredible for going to Blogopolis right at the start, I know i feel more confident that when i get to DP Con i will have been blogging for 7 months and “know” a decent sized group of people. I will still be intimidated by some i think, but won’t be freaking out in the corner!
Deb @ Home life simplified’s last post..Hand in your superhero cape
Thinking back I was nuts, but it really help me get started and introduced to so many awesome bloggers. See you at the drinks!
Great advice Laney, I am really excited (and nervous) about attending the DP Conference and meeting some of the bloggers I have been following. I was really nervous prior to attending the Blog 4 Community Christmas event when my blog was just a couple of weeks old. I was relieved that everyone was so friendly and lovely- including you! There was really no need to be nervous. I learned alot that night, one of the things was that I needed to have an elevator pitch – I am sorted with that now and ready to test it at DP Conference. See you then.
Kyrstie @ A Fresh Legacy’s last post..How To Grow Herbs At Home
You’ll be absolutely fine! Everyone is very friendly and if they don’t seem that welcoming it’s probably because they are as nervous as you. A smile goes a long way towards breaking the ice. See you at the conference!
I really wish I had read before going to Problogger last year. When I went home I made a mental note to make up a ‘small talk’ set of flashcards for myself before the next conference!
Kelly Exeter’s last post..Lleyton Hewitt – one massive ticker
There you go then! You’ve got some starters ;) Looking forward to seeing you at the conference!
Ha ha likewise :)
Sounds like I should create a special “Story Starters” set for blogging events ;-) Unfortunately, I’m not going to the event Laney, but drinks sounds like fun! Especially if it’s in an exclusive venue!
cath@leafjournals’s last post..2012 Words of Wisdom
I’m doing my best to get our own space for the drinks. Looking good so far, fingers crossed ;)
Great advice!! Wish Perth had bloggin conferences.. maybe they do.. I should look into it..
Hope you have fun at DPcon12!!!
Yvette @ DTlilsquirts’s last post..this is who we are
If there are no conferences you might be able to organise a meet up. There are a few bloggers I know over your way, Glowless, Kelly Exeter, Christie from Childhood 101 for starters!
Super helpful! I’ve been to a few conferences and events and know quite a few bloggers now, but I still suck at the conference small talk!
Wishing I could go to the pre-conference drinks but I suspect I’ll be pushing my luck on the baby sitting front as it is :(
katepickle’s last post..Real Life Wednesday
You don’t suck! I’ve had some lovely chats with you ;)
Great post, Laney. #dpcon12 should be amazing. I’m hoping I can still get there!
Tina ~ Tina Gray {dot} Me’s last post..thursday three/ what’s to love about australia?
Thanks Tina – I hope you can get there too. And, sorry for delay re the Blogher ticket. Bank sucks. I’m off on holiday for the long weekend and will sort when back. Yikes – Blogher!
Great post some really helpful hints to get yourself out there mingling and talking to other bloggers!
My anxiety is one reason I’m not attending but I have to say question 5 on your list is also a big factor in it as well!
Conferences can be scary, especially when anxiety makes it more difficult. Maybe start out with a small meet up first?
Definitely try a small meet up first, and if possible before the small meet up, catch up with someone beforehand so you have someone to walk in with. It does make a HUGE difference.
I wasn’t going to go, and I’m still not sure if I will be able to stay the whole day, but I know a fair few bloggers from a couple of small events I’ve attended, and people are aware of my situation, so worst case I excuse myself for a bit and come back a little later.
Oh great advise. I am so nervous but I can’t wait to meet some people. Do people take business cards? Name tags? What other kind of prep should a noobie blogger know about?
Elise’s last post..QLD on a budget: Part 2
It’s perfectly natural to be nervous. Yes business cards are a great idea. Vista Print and Officeworks are a good start. There are usually name tags and I’ll arrange these for the drinks too!
Can’t believe you didn’t say hi! Bloggers don’t bite. We are communicators! My tip: if you have a logo as your Twitter or Facebook profile pic, then swap it (even temporarily) with one of yourself so we can connect the person with the blog – easier then when we meet you!
Nikki @ Styling You’s last post..Keeping it real: back to school outfit
I was far too star struck ;). Great advice on switching the avi Nikki. Also try and fill the thumbnail with your face so people can actually see you!
Thanks Laney, and it was my pleasure to meet you, and introduce you at Nuffnang Pre Drinks… and what an opening line you had “I’m Laney, and I published my first post today” OH YES!
Those pre drinks were a starter all right, but the noise did make it hard for some of us :-)
Glad to hear you are planning pre conference drinks..are they at the venue (just checking, as I am also trying to get a group planned for a meet up for dinner that night too!)
Your list is brilliant, and can I add some things I also tried, when I knew NO-ONE at AusBlogCon…
For the nervous. We all are, it’s just that some hide it better.
On the morning of AusBlogCon, I went to breakfast alone, saw someone alone, and said “can I sit with you?” sure, instant meet up, and chat. Then once I’d done that I saw another person I knew from her blog, said hi.
And we were all warmly greeted at the door and given lanyards with names and blog name. Mind you, it was funny…we didn’t make eye contact…we made lanyard contact first…and then went “oh you are!!”
Take notice of people’s BLOGS, and Twitter if you can, and follow them and introduce yourself there first!
Check out the list of attendees…I am sure it’s up somewhere on DPCon website, and read and comment on their blogs. Best ever way to remember them!
My spiel was to know the face (if I could) and tweet handle, and to have my smile on, and my biz card…and for me, I also handed out a chocolate heart, or a lollipop with my cards. At conferences, great ice breakers!
I am going to be a buddy for a newbie as Kirrily from Sunnyside Up has organised. She’s in charge of Volunteers…look for me. I will have a smile, short silver hair, a teal coloured top (blog colour!) and pretty earrings. I am also, ahem, older than most!! At 62 I am a grandma blogger…
Love to you Laney, good gig you landed at DPCon12 too!
Denyse Whelan. Education Specialist’s last post..W.W. Sydney. Happy Australia Day!
Brilliant advice Denyse. Looking forward to seeing your smile :)
What great advice Laney and you are only making me a little bit (read: a lot) homesick for Melbourne! A trip home would be nice but a trip to DpCon12 would be even better! Maybe next year ;-)
It would be quite a way to come from Singapore! Next year :)
Loving the advice Laney!
I am quite worried about how I will go, even though I have gone to a few smaller blogging meets/events recently, they are hard on me, and I know this won’t be any easier.
The places I can see myself failing are the self pitching and the meeting of new faces. What do I say? I’m so scared for that awkward moment after saying hi. So this has helped me a lot. I might have to write it on the back of my hand before the conference!
Miss Pink, I know you, and the lovely people at the table at the Sydney Catch up for Christmas know you..you will be OK…you need to just tuck yourself in with someone for a bit, and you will be OK…promise. XX
Denyse Whelan. Education Specialist’s last post..W.W. Sydney. Happy Australia Day!
Hey, I even feel awkward at times and go through those shy moments when I just want to cast my eyes down and disappear. Conferences are pretty full on. If it gets a bit much I often step outside or go to the bathroom to have a break. Don’t worry about pitching g so much as finding a way you can comfortably talk about your blog.
Hi Laney,
I met you at the Problogger event last year (the one who asked if you were Annabel first thing in the morning – the shame). I’m keen to attend DPCon because I love meeting other bloggers face to face and think if I learn just one thing (I KNOW I will learn a lot) it was totally worthy attending. The thing is I’m not a parent. I’m not even an aunt (although I claim to be for a number of girlfriends’ children). Do you think the mums and dads would be ok with an imposter amongst the crowd? I’d love to attend the pre-event drinks too.
What are your thoughts?
Cheers, Caylie
I remember meeting and talking to you Caylie. As far as I know it’s ok for non parent bloggers to attend. Perhaps run it by Brenda @DigiParentsAus. I’d be happy to see you there!
Will do re: Brenda. Yes, the lost sheep ;o) A very scary first blogging conference experience but so worth it!
Caylie Price’s last post..50 Tips From The Best Aussie SMEs
Right. You must build rapport to your new found friends and co-bloggers. Most likely you’ll share the same sentiments, experiences, etc. Who was the first person you had a chat with in that even’t?
Thanks for the tips. I’m also a blogger but haven’t attended such events.
-Phem
Phem T.’s last post..How To Get A Girlfriend
I hope you get to meet some other bloggers at an event soon Phem :)
Great tips, Laney. Looking forward to meeting you in March! :)
Kellie @ Three Li’l Princesses’s last post..When a princess loses her fairytale ending
Thanks Kellie. Looking forward to catching up again too.
Great tips, Laney. I only wish I was going. What about practical things like business cards? Do people do that? I know I did for work conferences.
Veronica @ Mixed Gems’s last post..Wordless Wednesday – A Slice of January
Thanks Veronica. I wish you were going too! Business cards are a great idea. At the last conference Danimezza also handed out badges which was cool.
Laney, these are some great tips! My first blogcon was blogopolis too. I felt a little nervous, but luckily knew 3 other bloggers in real life that were there. When you’re a small blogger (and I had only blogged about 5 months then) I felt out of my depth. I brought my 8 mth old baby with me (because I couldn’t leave him) which was a blessing and a curse. He drove me nuts with his crawling everywhere (so I couldn’t concentrate) – but he was an icebreaker too. It also meant I couldn’t attend the pre & post conference drinks which meant that I missed out on getting to chat with bloggers & make connections. I am still unsure if I’ll come to the DPCon due to my (now) 14mth old. I wish conferences were more ‘baby friendly’!
Deb @ Bright & Precious’s last post..Advance Australia Fair?
I think you hit the nail on the head!
Great list Laney. I’m going to work on my elevator spiel over the next few weeks.Can’t believe it’s a month away!
Love the ideas of handing out something with the business cards…not sure I could easily carry around 100 mini cupcakes though! What am I saying – I don’t even have business cards yet!
I’ve signed up for a buddy and really looking forward to Nicole’s blog boost session.
Sadly I won’t make it to the night before drinks now but hope to be able to stay on for the dinner afterwards, even if I have to get changed in my car! :-)
Di-licious’s last post..What’s in the freezer? FREE printable chart
33 days to go! I need to get my business cards sorted too!
Did you have a ticket to the pre-conference drinks, because I don’t have a record of one? I’m a little confused.
No Laney – you’re correct. I responded to your initial call on Twitter about the pre-dinner drinks saying I would be in town but since that status changed I didn’t sign up for the event tickets.
Investigating business cards now!
Di-licious’s last post..What’s in the freezer? FREE printable chart
Great post. I think the thing to remember is that just about everyone is nervous and is just as grateful for someone to chat to as the rest of us. I’ll be as nervous as anyone else, but I do find that blogging conferences are so much more welcoming and warm than others, and I think that’s because so many of us are out there on our blogs. And if you are nervous, just admit it; Probably you will find someone to take you under their wing, just as the lovely Denyse did!
Maid In Australia’s last post..The year of yes
Thanks Bronnie. Blogging conference are amazingly welcoming. The buddy system is also fab too. Will make it so much easier for newbies.