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networking
I had a fantastic conversation with Crystal Reynolds from Crystal Ink.
She said she sometimes feels shy about talking to speakers at conferences or events and asked me if I had any tips for her. Here is how I like my post-stage encounters to go:
Step right up. The way I really like to be approached is for people to just come on up. I want to know how my work impacts people and I don’t necessarily get that feedback all the time. I really want to talk to you after a speech as much as you want to talk to me, and I think most speakers feel the same way. So, tell us how our material affected you, what you got out of it and how you use it. Some of my most interesting collaborations have come from post-talk conversations. You just never know what can happen if you step up.
Don’t be afraid of the emotional … I’m not. My work is intense, and sometimes intimate. I mean, I did a video in my bathrobe, for goodness sake! So, sometimes people approach me from a very emotional place and then get self conscious for having gone “there.” Don’t sweat it. I am not afraid of emotions--they are great guides. I look at my speeches as an experience that we co-created because I took a risk. You witnessed my risk and took a risk of your own. Let’s have our work create a cosmic domino effect of Bright Lights+Hidden Truths=Freedom, which can be emotional, very real and awe inspiring.
You‘re going to dork out sometimes … and that’s ok. We get weird around people we admire--I busted OUT into a nervous stammer-sweat-stand-too-close episode when I met one of my heroes recently. I’ve had experiences where folks did really odd social things like interrupting me in mid-conversation with someone else, and blurting something out, grappling me into a big excited hug before even saying hi (all of which is totally fine--I’m not trying to shame anyone here). Just dork out and embrace that moment. Then, stand back, smooth your clothes down and offer me a hand to shake and say, “Hi, my name is _________. I really love your work.”
So, when have you totally dorked out trying to talk to a speaker or a celebrity or whomever? Tell me in the comments below.
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And because dorky moments are worth sharing, copy and paste these Tweets:
Everyone is approachable. @DyanaValentine offers tips for speaking to a speaker. http://bit.ly/tzpXa6
Did excitement get the best of you? @DyanaValentine says, “Dork out and dig it!” http://bit.ly/tzpXa6
Step right up to folks you admire. Don’t be shy. @DyanaValentine offers tips for sharing with a speaker. http://bit.ly/tzpXa6
@DyanaValentine knows that you’re going to dork out sometimes. Just dig it. http://bit.ly/tzpXa6
When asked "What do you do?" most of us get that deer in the headlights look and then start our answer with "I…".
The thing is, people don't really care what we do. They want to know what we can do for them, or for their mother, brother, child or best friend. They want to know how we can make their lives easier. Beginning our answer by talking about ourselves means we're not telling them what they want to know. Most people are listening with "What's in it for me?" ears, which is why we belong at the bottom of our pitch instead of at the top. If you only have a minute to have a conversation, you want the person you're interacting with to walk away with a clear picture of who your clients are and the benefits of your work.
Keep the focus of your pitch away from yourself and when you're done, let there be empty space. Leave room for people to reply, react and ask you questions. If it gets awkward, ask them about themselves, don't launch into a detailed description of what you do. Make sure they know that you're in it to make the world a better place, not just to make a living. Remember what you say doesn't have to be complex, it just has to open the door to a deeper conversation.
Them + You = A Better World
Trust me on this one. It works.
Click here to sign up for International Freelancer Day, a free all day conference, including a FREE Pitch Perfect™ workshop from me for YOU on Friday 9/23.
Book yourself a session or do it yourself and let your pitch fly free.
--------- Help your friends talk their walk and cut, paste & post these insta-tweets: What do you say when asked "what do you do?" @DyanaValentine has ideas http://bit.ly/qDtJNF #IFD11 What should you do when things get awkward? @DyanaValentine sez: http://bit.ly/qDtJNF #IFD11 Do you go all deer in the headlights when asked what you do? @DyanaValentine suggests: http://bit.ly/qDtJNF #IFD11 Keep it Simple sign created by mamasinsanity and available here.{ 0 comments }
