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Share articleI am often amazed how much we can learn from a kindergartner. This is a great reminder. Thank you Judy.
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A Kindergartner's Guide to BizJam
My friend Mary's son Connor started kindergarten this year. As we get ready for BizJam '08, we can learn much from the Connor's of the world about what it takes to succeed in the conference 'schoolyard.'
Written Jun 24, 2008, read 592 times since then.
BizJam 08 will be here in the blink of an eye. It's my first conference just for indie professionals and I'm excited.
My friend Mary's son Connor started kindergarten this year. I have followed his adventure through Mary. This incredible boy—inquisitive, highly verbal and highly intelligent— makes starting school look so easy.
This year, he has learned to share, to be a good listener, to make new friends, to ask for help when he needs it and to try new things. That's pretty good for a five-year-old.
What's this got to do with BizJam? Well, having attended a gazillion business conferences in my day, I'm thinking that the Connor's of the world can teach us a thing or two about what it takes to succeed in the conference 'schoolyard.'
What Kindergartners Know
1. A friend won't be a stranger if you invite them over to play before the first day of school. Now, granted, some conference organizers make this easier than others. BizJam uses Pathable Badges, that help you connect with name tags that identify the five people most like you and the five people least like you, based on your responses to an online questionnaire. That way, you can have an online play day and start building those relationships before the conference even starts. Take advantage of this cool tool to jump start your networking.
2. Be on time. Don't be the sorry kid who runs in breathless, just as the bell is ringing, clutching your lunch pail and your registration form. If you get there early, you'll be ahead of the game when it comes to personal networking, which is what conferences are all about.
3. Make new friends. Remember when your mom told you to introduce yourself to a the new kid and make her a friend? Still applies. Many of us stick with colleagues we already know and miss out on making new connections. Walk up to that person standing all alone. Who knows where it will take you?
4. Share your blocks and find ways to cooperate. You've heard it before, but collaboration works so much better than competition. Keep your mind open to all the possibilities when you look at conference connections.
5. Be a good listener, say something nice and ask questions. Shelve the Blackberry, the iPhone, the laptop with those e-mails that scream, "Open!" Focus on the speakers, the attendees and the topics at hand. If the presenter offered helpful stuff, tell him or her so. They don't hear compliments half as often as you may think.
And don't be afraid to ask questions. For every one you ask, there were probably ten people who wondered the same thing but kept quiet.
6. 'Bring' something for Show and Tell. If you have a blog, consider blogging from the conference. It's a great way to share with others who weren't able to be there. You could even provide links to other attendees' blog posts and enrich the conversation.
A tip: Straight session notes make boring blog posts, because we all have enough information. What we need are people who can make sense of it for us. Consider throwing in your personal take, your analysis and opinion of the conference content and happenings.
7. Keep your promises. If you meet someone and promise to send something to them when you get back, write it on the back of their business card and do it 24-48 hours after you return.
And don't forget the promises to yourself. When you have "a-ha " moments, and you will, write them down. Keep a running list (for example, change an employee's schedule for greater efficiency, buy a recommended book, contact a vendor). Even better, bring a self-addressed, stamped envelope and mail your to-do list to yourself so it's in the mailbox when you get back.
8. Don't forget to say thank-you. You will meet new people, make new friends, learn new stuff. Take a few moments when you get back to send a personal thank-you note to those people who made it a richer experience for you. Believe me, you will make yourself memorable with that one small gesture, because so few people remember to do it.
So get out your lunch pail and backpack and I'll see you at BizJam!
Learn more about the author, Judy Dunn.
Comment on this article
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Posted by Hsuan-Hua Chang, PCC, MS, Seattle, Washington | Jun 24, 2008 -
Posted by Joe Hage, Seattle, Washington | Jun 24, 2008Judy, I do like the idea of blogging from the event. I hadn't considered that before.
Thanks, Joe
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Posted by Leif Hansen, Seattle, Washington | Jun 24, 2008What a thoughtful and helpful article Judy, especially for those who are coming as newbies and wondering what to expect and how to prepare. Favorite reminders for me: #4 -Yes, there is enough for us all! #5 -Well, I'll only occasionaly check my iphone (thankfully its friday that iphone 2.0 comes out) #7&8 -Too often I've made flippant 'lets connects' and forgotten to thank others.
Thanks! -Leif
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Posted by Betsy Talbot, Seattle, Washington | Jun 24, 2008Judy, this is a great post. One question, though. Will there be live blogging at the after-party? Because that seems a little dangerous. ;-)
Great post on how to make the most of this event. I'm so sorry to be out of town and miss it, but I'll be checking your blog for updates.
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Posted by Howard Howell, Seattle, Washington | Jun 24, 2008Great advice Judy... reminds me of a book I read long ago, "Everything I ever needed to know, I learned in kindergarten." Seems it still holds true. I recommend #3 especially. So, how many friends do you need?
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Posted by Jane Bakken, Seattle, Washington | Jun 25, 2008Thank you for your article! Since this is my first BizJam, I appreciated your notes, tips and insights. Looking forward to meeting you there. Good writing! Kind Regards, Jane Bakken
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Posted by Pamela Ziemann, Bellevue, Washington | Jun 25, 2008"Connor for President!"
Thank you for the part about "Ask for help when you need it" As an Indie, I'm very used to doing everything on my own. So this one really hit home.
Let the magic begin at Bizjam '08!
Really love your clear writing style Judy.
See you soon!
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Posted by David Billings, Portland, Oregon | Jun 25, 2008This is awesome, Judy, and I love the reference to Kindergarten.
This is going to be huge for me also as I prepare for an August Illustrators' conference in L.A.. It really applies to so many parts of business life.
Thank you for sharing this.
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Posted by Elizabeth Lee, Seattle, Washington | Jun 25, 2008Judy. Terrific article. This too will be my first Bizjam and I am really excited about all of it. It is just like the first day of school...might just have to get myself a new outfit for the occasion.
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Posted by Rachel Whalley, Seattle, Washington | Jun 25, 2008I totally agree with your points, Judy. Especially the reaching out to make new friends! Sometimes it feels like a push for me to walk up to the new kid, but I'm always glad I did.
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Posted by Jen Vondenbrink, Foxboro, Massachusetts | Jun 25, 2008Hi Judy. This is a great article even for those of us who won't be attending Bizjam. :(
I think that these are great for when you are going to any networking event or even hosting the event.
So many times we go to a conference or a networking event and build it up to be a huge thing. By the time we get there we are riddled with anxiety. Now I am going to think more like Connor (I have a nephew Connor!) and just get on the bus!
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Posted by Bruce Colthart, Paramus, New Jersey | Jun 25, 2008Judy – what a well thought out article and a clever hook. All of us can relate to our early days as students, when our minds were delightfully uncluttered and opportunity was everywhere. You (and Connor's mom) remind us that thinking and planning ahead are the best ways to profit from (take advantage of) such situations that are positively dripping with opportunity. To show up to such a great event unprepared would be a real shame for everyone. There will be the eternally extroverted and the social rock stars who will surely mingle, meet and talk with ease at these events. But even they can benefit from rehearsing the fundamentals. I wish I could be there and directly experience the energy of focused and practiced networkers, making the very best of a great occasion. Carpe Diem, y'all!
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Posted by Amy Woidtke (woid-key), Greater Seattle, Washington | Jun 25, 2008I LOVE how we share our blocks well here on Biznik. I ran into someone last night that was less willing to share blocks and it bummed me out.
I wanted to talk to said person about feedback on some resources and person said 1) I'm too busy 2) I've been doing this a long time and you should do my own research, 3) I share my insights with my employees.
I felt like this person was clenching all that knowledge and resources for those select few that are employees or close affiliates - like they were not willing for other's to benefit from their research unless they are clients, employees or if you read any articles person writes, etc. Or maybe you attend a workshop.
This person could have referred me to someone else to talk to even and that would have been great. It's one thing to do my own research on product and it's another to get opinions from others on things I've researched, which is some of what I was looking for.
The sad part is I might have even referred business to this person at some point and now, well, I'm likely to not.
No worries on my end - I've got a hot power team over here and cheerleaders that want to see me fly...so if one person doesn't want to share, I can be ok with that.
When asked, I am HAPPY to share my resources and help people avoid the hard core learning curves I've had to endure.
YAY for sharing blocks on Biznik!! You all ROCK! And there is enough for all of us.
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Posted by Ron Copple, Auburn, Washington | Jun 25, 2008GREAT JOB Judy! Having 7 grandkids, with four in the young age groups like Conner, it is always refreshing to sit and chat with them about life, answer their questions and give them feedback. Your article really brought home the basics of communication in all fields you endeavor. I won't be at Bizjam due to conflict, but I am confident those that have received this reminder will be better served when they do attend. Thank you for sharing.
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Posted by Judy Dunn, Seattle & Renton, Washington | Jun 25, 2008Thanks, everyone, for visitng and posting!
@Hsuan-Hua: Yes, five-year-olds are pretty amazing, aren't they?
@Joe: In the Community Forum, Bob posted a request to respond if you are going to be blogging at BizJam. Please let me know (and everyone else, too) if you are intersted in doing some links back and forth.
@Howard: Yes, I certainly do remember Fulghum's book, All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten." My favorite line from that book: "When you go out in the world, watch for traffic, hold hands and stick together."
@Leif: #4 is my favorite, too. We all win when we work together.
@Betsy: Thanks for chiming in. Blogging at the after-party. Probably a "no" for me!
@Jane: Actually, it's my first BizJam, too. Let's be sure to connect!
@Pamela: If you knew this little boy, you'd believe that he could be President someday! And yes, asking for help is hard. Our last marketing e-tip was on just this subject and I quoted some of our own Rachel Whalley's wise words on the topic. See you at BizJam!
@David: Glad you found some applications to your own life!
@Elizabeth: Maybe you and me and Jane will have to sit to sit in the "new kids" section. And I do remember that first day of school outfit. It's 90 degrees out, but I'm in my wool skirt, sweater and knee socks because I HAVE to wear my new clothes.
@Rachel: I saw many a "new kid" at various times in my teaching career. My heart always went out to them!
@Jen: Maybe biznik will grow so phenomenally that someday we'll have TWO conferences—one for the left coast and one for the right! Glad you found these tips useful.
@Bruce: Wish you could join us, too! Thanks for being our Biznik "cheerleader."
@Amy: Sharing your blocks just gets you so much farther, doesn't it? Sorry about your bad experience. It's that person's loss.
@Ron: Thanks for joining the conversation. Wow. Seven grandkids, four of them very young. It brings at all back, doesn't it? Glad you enjoyed the article.
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Posted by Karrie Kohlhaas, Seattle, Washington | Jun 26, 2008Judy, I love #5! Too often people miss great conversations right in front of them because they are focused on their phone or PDA.
I find it to be a real turn off when someone is willing to answer--even check--their ringing phone while in a conversation that is live. It's like saying "Hey, you don't really matter." So glad you included that.
I hope people at bizjam will remember to turn off their devices for another reason: All of the presenters are being video taped and a stray ring or buzz could not only affect their focus, but the video as well.
But more importantly, I hope bizjammers will be with the people at bizjam--not with their devices--and get the most out of the event. So many great people are attending! Make your calls on Friday!
Thanks for the article to get people geared up!
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Posted by Judy Dunn, Seattle & Renton, Washington | Jun 26, 2008
Thanks for the thoughtful comment, Karrie. I too think the checking of the electronic devices in the middle of a conversation is tres rude, in the same category as the person with Wandering Eye Syndrome, who is constantly looking over your shoulder to see if someone more important has arrived.
You are right. It is all about the people. I very much look forward to meeting you at BizJam!
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Posted by Susan Bressler, Renton, Washington | Jun 26, 2008Wonderful words of wisdom, and a great reminder that the best things we learn in life are usually before age 5. Super article, Judy!
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Posted by Judy Dunn, Seattle & Renton, Washington | Jun 26, 2008
Thanks, Susan. It's amazing how we seem to forget a lot of it along the way!
Article tags
- business networking
- bizjam
- conference tips
- rules for successful networking
