Happy Fat Tuesday! In French that means Mardi Gras. In Dutch it’s Vet Dinsdag. In Telegu it’s ఫ్యాట్ మంగళవారం. Yeah, Google Translate!
GKN ANNOUNCEMENT!
In September, Voiceover Xtra will host “Voiceover Virtual”; an actual, virtual voiceover conference! Attend a kickin’ voiceover conference whilst wearing your jammies! No need to drop a bundle on flights or hotels rooms. Just a few clicks and you’re there! Sounds pretty awesome, right? John Florian asked me to be the Marketing Consultant for this groundbreaking adventure and I am proud to be a part of it. Learn more here! Oh, and yes, I will be holding court at Tom’s Tiki Lounge and maybe, just maybe, I’ll run a webinar of some kind…
So yesterday was one of those kooky, nutty days, but in a good way. I was in New York for the day. I had coffee with a friend, then I went to a recording studio for a session, then I went to the Audio Publishers Association Mixer, then I had dinner with another friend. Networking-Palooza!
Many times I have written about the virtues and (often unnecessary) vices of networking and I learn something every time I attend an event. Yesterday was no exception!
TIP OF THE WEEK:
1. Carb up before you have a drink or five at a networking event, or better yet, don’t drink at all! You want to be at your best because you are representing your business and you ARE a business, remember? BTW chatting up people when you’re at the bar ordering a drink or in line at the buffet is a great ice-breaker. (and NO, I didn’t get drunk nor did I see anyone get drunk!)
2. Don’t target “important” people or potential clients. Everybody can see that from a mile away!
3. If you’re going to an event and you know you won’t know anybody there, here are two ideas. One, if there is a public RSVP list, reach out to some fellow attendees via LinkedIn and introduce yourself. That way when you go to the event, you’ll know someone! If there isn’t a public RSVP list, when you go to the event, look for someone who is just sort of standing around. They probably don’t know anyone, either. Introduce yourself and offer your services as their “networking wingman”. That way you’ll both feel more at ease and more comfortable introducing yourselves to other people.
If you have any networking tips, please share!
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: I have not failed; I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work. Thomas Edison
STUFF!: Last week I saw “Stand Up Guys” with Al Pacino, Christopher Walken, and Alan Arkin. Just put down whatever you’re doing and go see it. Now. Trust me.
From Tom’s Tiki Lounge, this is Tom Dheere: GKN News…