Fri Oct 26, 2007 11:58AM1 comment ›
Fri Oct 26, 2007 — by Glenn Hauman
How to network at conventions
Secret handshake not included
We're in a lull between major comic conventions, and so we'd like to take this time to point you to Diana Rowland's tips for convention networking. Although written for science fiction conventions, the advice applies quite well to comic cons. Examples:
• Don’t bug the crap out of the pro or semi-pro who has been kind enough to take you under his/her wing for the con to introduce you to agents/editors at the con. Really now, these agents/editors probably meet several hundred shiny-eyed newbies at every con they go to, and dutifully and kindly pass along their business cards, and as soon as they’ve extracted themselves from the encounter will likely forget your name. Yes, even if you’ve pressed your business card into their hand.
• Again, if you’ve been fortunate enough to have a pro/semi-pro take you in hand, don’t stick with that person for the entire con. Dare to break away, especially if you find yourself waiting for them outside the bathroom. Trust me, they don’t really need to pee that much. They just need a break from you. Take the hint. Go to some panels. Go to the dealers room. Go wander around the con suite.
Jump to comments (1) 
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Comments (1)
Mark Marston (2:39 AM on Sat Nov 10, 2007)
I left this comment about networking on Diana's site too:
I just returned from what is billed as the biggest online media and marketing convention in the world. AdTech at the New York Hilton. As an exhibitor who sells a really nice laminated style picture business card, I may be a little biased, but here is my networking advice: Put your picture on your business card. The worst business card in the world is the one where at the end of the day, your card looks just like everyone else’s. There were plenty of people that I really wanted to remember their product or service but their card was of NO help in recalling our conversation. Like an old song that brings back lyrics you thought you couldn’t possibly remember, the human face is an instant trigger for what is already stored in the memory. Don’t worry about whether you’re good looking enough. The benefits could be tremendous and your card will never look just like everyone else’s if your picture is on it. Just get a decent picture taken and do it.
Here comes the shameless plug: …and if you want a picture style card that often prompts a “Wow” comment, check out ReferralBusinessCards.com. Our customers tell us the most common response when they hand out one of our business cards is, “Wow! That’s a nice card! Can I keep it?”
http://www.referralbusinesscards.com