HOW TO HANDLE LIVE EVENT BUTTERFLIES
After B was born, I went from a pretty physical (on my feet and outside for up to 10 hours a day) job to working mostly from home.
On the couch. In my pjs or workout clothes (even if I had no real plans to work out).
Alone.
I used to enjoy face-to-face interaction with hundreds if not thousands of people in a given day (seriously – such a cool job).
These days I could probably count my daily face-to-face interactions on a hand or two.
In other words: I’ve become a bit of a hermit over here.
But that changes now. Orrrrrrr…..a month from now.
In May I’m busting OUT of my usual Honolulu-to-Houston travel loop to speak at Nathalie Lussier’s Off the Charts Live in Plano (Dallas).
I’m SO excited for lots of reasons, but, in true Jessie Spano-style, I’m also a bit scared.
WHYYYY?
Because I’m a total newbie when it comes to events like this.
It’s my first big event for my biz – where I’m there representing myself, not the park service, not TCU, not a volunteer organization…straight up ME. Finally out from behind the laptop.
YES I’m a bit nervous, but I’m also determined to ENJOY the whole experience. And I know I’m not the only one feeling this way.
That’s where you come in :)
This week I’m turning the tables to ask YOU for your best tips on making the most of live events. (Even if you’re a total newbie like me, you’ll learn plenty from the links + comments shared below!)
So let’s get into it.
In this (atypical) video, you’ll learn:
- Why I’m a teence nervous about meeting so many digi-friends in real life
- Early scoop on my plans for DFW + Houston meetups this summer
- That I have a LOT of questions about making the most of live events. That’s your cue ;)
Click below to watch (or take a listen):
IN A (COCO)NUT SHELL
I’m headed to Texas to speak at Off the Charts Live verrrry soon.
I’m pretty comfy with the actual presentation part (for now, anyway!), but I’ve definitely got some questions, butterflies, and general concerns about the REST. Specifically:
- How do you make the MOST of the opportunity to connect with so many people – without a) getting totally overwhelmed, or b) missing out on rare quality time with your best buddies?
- How do you gracefully handle that awkward moment when someone knows your name and you don’t know theirs (yet)?
- How do you functionally DRESS for events like this? Layers? Pockets? Fanny packs? Handbags?
- What do you PACK in aforementioned handbag? ^^^
- Business cards – yay or nay? What do you DO with them when people give ’em to you? What do you include on yours to make it worthwhile?
- Anything else that I’m missing?
HELPFUL POSTS ON THIS STUFF
10 Mistakes to Avoid at the Next Event You Attend by Pat Flynn
From the BRILLIANT and hilarious Marsha Shandur:
Who It’s OK to Approach at a Networking Event (complete with checklist ;))
How to Stop Acting Like a Total Weirdo Around People You Want to Impress #dorkgoblin
How to Get Out of an Awkward Conversation (Without Being Offensive)
Why You’re The Same As Everyone Else. And Why That’s A Good Thing
How Not to Be Self-Conscious – so simple, so true.
….I’m going to stop linking posts for now, because I could add her whole site. If you haven’t met her yet, you’re in for a TREAT :)
YOUR HOMEWORK
In the comments below, tell me:
What are your best tips for making the most of your time + energy at a live event?
I know there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, but I’m sincerely interested in your experience(s)!
ALSO: If you want details on my Texas meetups (as they develop), click here to let me know.
To fiiiiinally meeting face to ACTUAL (possibly sweaty?) face,
P.S. Again – if you wanna meet up in Texas, click here and let me know.
P.P.S. If you liked this post + want to help me spread the word by using the links below to share it with your buddies, I would greatly appreciate it! You can also subscribe to my YouTube channel if you’d like to see new videos before I’ve had time to turn them into blog posts ;)
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