[From the Archive] Successfully Networking at a Convention

Many times new – and even moderately successful – writers and artists ask the same question: “How do you network at a convention?” For many, the answer comes in forms of “Don’ts”

• Don’t be a jerk. (Seriously. Nothing makes a worse impression than showing your butt.)
• Don’t hover. (Stalkers rarely gain anything other than a TRO. And who wants that on their record?)
• Don’t be a pest. (DO NOT be the “are we there yet?” guy, huh? Huh? Can we? Please?)
• Don’t dominate a conversation in which there is a “Bigger Name” than you. (Dude, come on. If you’re in a group conversation or on a panel with David Weber that anyone’s gonna care about your project? Think about it.)

Okay, so those have been said – again – what can you do to successfully network at a convention? There are ways to subtly network, if you’re lucky and paying attention.

Be polite and friendly. However, you have to be aware of the lines between friendly and pest. Sometimes it’s a fine line (and we’ve all crossed it once or twice in our lifetimes and will again). The key is here is learning the Fine Art of Letting a Conversation End. Most conversations have a natural end – let it. It’s okay to say, “It’s been fun talking to you. Excuse me.” Or even simply slipping if other people join the conversation and it veers away from you.

Smiles, everyone, smiles. This was the last thing Mr. Roarke said to all the Fantasy Island employees before meeting their guests. It’s as true here. Who wants to get to know the growlly person? I have a Redhead’s Temper (because I am one). I can also get seriously focused on getting from POINT A to POINT B. And I’ve had people tell me it’s kept them from approaching me. I’m working on not letting that happen more – and at least toning down to “distracted” when I’m focused. 😎

Be open to opportunity. Seriously. You never know when something wonderful is going to fall into your lap, but if you’re focused on yourself, you’re never going to realize it. It could be something as simple as inviting someone eating alone to join your table. That person could be one of the Big Name Authors (BNA) or a publisher. Or, if you run with a specific circle, you could be mistaken for someone else by an editor or publisher who only knows you peripherally. By not blowing off that person and working out the odd conversation, you can get your name and face indelibly etched into their brain. Oh, and if a BNA, editor, or publisher tells you about a party they’re attending or hosting, GO. Go now. Do not pass that up, even if you have to change previous plans.

Be open to investment (or Don’t be a Cheapskate). Yeah, I know, I’m sneaking in a “don’t” but it’s also a “be”. For most new writers and small press writers, book stock can be expensive, and most of us don’t have a lot of money to buy stock for ourselves. HOWEVER… if you’re in a position where a BNA, publisher, or editor (especially the last two) hear you read a story or about a project and say, “Hey, that’s cool. I liked that story.” Or even (and this has happened) picked up a display anthology and LOVED the concept and hung onto it. GIVE THEM THE FREAKIN’ BOOK!!!! Even if it’s your only copy. It’s better if it’s not your only copy, but still… the idea here is not that someone’s getting a free copy, and you’re out money. This is an investment in your future. You’re putting your work into the hands of someone you can work with (hopefully) in the future. And really, isn’t that the point?

I know a lot of this sounds rather odd. No where in this piece have I mentioned pitching a story, book, or idea. There are no “Elevator Pitches” here. I’m not saying they’re not important – because on the off chance someone in an elevator asks, “What do you write/do?” You should be able to answer – but I’m not a proponent of forcing that on them. But I will tell you this – everything I’ve mentioned above has happened to me personally at conventions. And I’ve screwed it up as much as I’ve made it work. You can successfully network at a convention without coming off as a newbie, jerk, or desperate. You just have to master the art of subtlety. Good luck.

Tags: Archive, Conventions, networking, Writing