Before any NSA convention, now called Influence, I always connect some of my fave people who may not know each other. Back in 2014 (when this was written) I was connecting Noah (who is a master connector himself) with a first timer and he shared this great advice. I loved it so much I got his permission to turn it into a blog.
Wear your VIP ribbon: it shows people it’s your first time. Wear it loud and proud – people will reach out to you and welcome you. It’s a conversation starter.
Attend the sessions: Go to as many as you can, and don’t be afraid to leave one if it isn’t what you need or doesn’t apply to you. It’s not rude; it’s reality. You’re there to learn, and if you’re not learning, go to another session immediately.
Talk to everyone. You can and will learn from absolutely everyone you meet. Even the crazies.
Turn your ego-radar down. You’re going to be surrounded by people who believe they are the best in the world. Instead of judging others, just have fun with the environment. You don’t have to play the game, but you do have to look beyond it if you want to enjoy yourself. “Oh, you speak three times a month? Yeah…I speak about three times a week. Oh, I’m sorry, did you say three times a week? I meant three times a day (funny)”
Realize everyone is ‘on’: Understand many speakers will be “on stage” the whole time they are at Influence.
Don’t sell yourself or your services. Be a student. Ask questions. Listen. Ask more questions. Nobody cares about what you’re doing back home. In fact, they’ll probably never notice if you don’t tell them. You can tell everybody next year when you’re presenting your first session.
Take notes. Lots of them. We get a million ideas …enough to keep you busy for a month or two when you return home. Capture those ideas as they hit you because if you don’t, it’s as bad as never having the idea in the first place.
Connect with as many people as possible. Collect business cards, books, whatever. Decide later with whom and how you want to follow up.
Remember people want to help you: Established speakers want to help new speakers. Ask for help. It’s better than pretending like you know everything because there’s no point in sharing ideas with someone who doesn’t need them.
NSA is a club: And it’s an open club. Those on the inside want new members. If we see you soaking everything up, we will give you more. We’ll take you under our arms and show you the ropes. Just understand that there’s not just one way to “do” NSA. My ropes are different than the next guy’s. Try them all.
Share praise: If you admire a speaker (because you’ve seen them speak or read their books), tell them. Share how their stuff has impacted you and your business. Don’t ask them to be your mentor, though. That takes time.
Give first: Approach this whole thing from the “what do I have to give?” standpoint, rather than the “what can I get from you?” standpoint.
Everything in moderation: Lay off the sauce. The hotel bar is one of the best places to network (Noah and I met in a lobby bar years ago, I was probably drinking champagne).
Have your own experience. Make your own choices. Your mileage will vary. Do the right thing, do your own thing, and be yourself. You know, all the disclaimers and the reminders that everyone is unique.
Think: One thing is universal, though: this is the one time each year that we all take a step back from our professional lives and businesses and THINK. It’s a time for reflection, for planning, for discovery, and for letting your guard down. Savor it.
If this is your first convention, let’s connect. If you are someone who has been to many seek out first timers too.
Remember to make everyone feel like they matter, thanks Noah for the inspiration.
What great content! Thanks Noah and Neen – from your beloved first-timer 😉