Conference season is coming up fast and for some, that is fantastic news, while for others it brings a sense of dread. Now before you work yourself into a tizzy, MarketingProfs offers some tips to prepare your shy side or even your procrastinating alter ego.
- Avoid Avoidance.
Don’t react to the whirlwind of sessions and mixers by thinking of reasons not to attend them. Instead, plan a full schedule ahead of time for yourself. This will give you time to get used to the idea and then you can’t come up with excuses. In your mind, keeping to the itinerary will seem mandatory. Plus, you’ll be just plain busy. No time for anxiety to creep in. - Use the Buddy System.
It’s easier to face crowded spaces when you coordinate attendance with people you already know. - Work the Room One Person at a Time.
Don’t get overwhelmed by the crowd. Pick someone on the fringe and strike up a conversation. This will build your confidence to then pick another person who is maybe just a little bit deeper in the crowd. And so on and so on. Remember to introduce yourself and maybe ask where they are from. Everyone likes to talk about their hometown (good or bad). You never know – maybe you took a trip there or you know someone who went to school there. Instant connection!
Lisa Petrilli wrote these helpful tips to conquer your fears and get your company’s money’s worth for sending you to that godforsaken conference! So use ‘em!
[Source: Petrilli, Lisa. "Three Tips for the Introverted Conference Attendee." MarketingProfs.com. Jan. 24, 2012.]
Friday, Jan 27, 2012
Courtney Huckabay