It’s that time again! Social Media Week is here. Over 500 events in ten cities around the world – and 224 of them (including parties) in NYC alone, all in five days. The real question is: how do you keep up with it all and tweet at the same time, when event planning, pacing and power bars aren’t enough? This is a marathon and calls for a twelve-step program:
- Do your homework before you go. Figure out which events you want to attend – they’re all listed online. (Yes, some of them are already full.)
- Network, network, network.
- Bring lots of business cards. If you run out or are running low, use the cardmunch app from LinkedIn. You don’t even have to collect business cards: take a snap shot with your phone.
- Go to the parties, stay out way past your bedtime – and sleep in the next morning. You’d be surprised how much business gets done at night, and over drinks, so take advantage of it and …
- Pace yourself – don’t get drunk. Nurse your drink. Singular. If you’re having a second, make sure it’s a nightcap, then leave.
- Drink lots of water. Go easy on the 5-hour energy drink. Instead…
- Power naps. Waaay underrated. You’re not running on empty: you’re recharged. Especially helpful if there’s an early session you want to attend the next day. You might actually make it! Seriously: nap for ½ an hour, before or after dinner.
- Don’t skip meals – and never eat alone. Make plans to meet up with people, either before you go, or once you’re there.
- Be social. Start conversations. ‘Hello,’ usually works. Do not launch into our pitch, should you run into an investor or potential mentor. Give it at least a little while. Have a conversation first. If you do launch into your pitch and see that it’s falling on deaf ears, give it a rest. If that person you’ve been waiting to talk to looks like they’re in a hurry to get somewhere, Do not launch into your pitch. Introduce yourself, tell him/her you’d like to follow up at a later date, ask for their contact information – and follow up.
- Have a wingman; don’t move in a pack. Divide and conquer is one thing, and with two, you cover more ground. In a pack? What if everyone wants to talk to the same investor/mentor/whatever? Instead of having that conversation, you may well find yourself gasping for air.
- Follow up.
Good luck, be productive and above all – remember to have some fun while you’re at it – and have a great week!
Check out our helpful guide of some notable Social Media Week events in #TooManyGoodEvents – Social Media Week Guide.
