In this episode, we discuss how to get the most out of networking and conferences, particularly our experiences attending and speaking at WordCamps.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 23:19 — 18.8MB)
The Changelog
- Doug:
- Biggest hosting client
- Spoke at WordCamp Philly
- Presentation: Optimizing WordPress Performance
- David:
- Traveled to Scotland
- Met Rob Walling (@robwalling, Startups for the Rest of Us)
- Met David Kelly (@dvkly, Shareflow)
- Attended WordCamp Hamburg
- Thanks everyone for the 5-star reviews!
The Core
- Being a speaker:
- Networking becomes different, higher level with speakers and sponsors.
- Networking before the event (i.e. speakers’ dinner).
- Less about selling your stuff, more about access to interesting people.
- Prepare beforehand:
- Pick your sessions early.
- Find out what the speakers look like.
- Research what the speakers and sponsors do.
- What are you going to say? Prepare your “elevator pitch.”
- Business cards reduce friction (recommendation: Moo).
- How to approach the conference:
- Hallway conversations are often more valuable than the sessions.
- You don’t have to attend all the talks.
- Pick the talks that appeal the most, and be flexible with your schedule.
- Happiness Bars – go to get help with your site (or volunteer to give help).
- The value is in connecting with people.
- It may be worth staying out late, and missing the morning sessions.
- Networking advice:
- Ultimately, you will get better with practice.
- Be specific, it makes for a better conversation starter.
- Sponsors:
- Talk to representatives of some of the bigger name sponsors.
- Discover new companies/products.
- If you sponsor, have a representative at the sponsor table.
- WordCamp website (and schedule)
Tips & Tricks
- BonesWP
- Starter theme.
- HTML5, Mobile-First starter theme using Sass.
- Black Studio TinyMCE Widget
- Free plugin.
- Text widget with a Visual Editor.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 23:19 — 18.8MB)
Thanks for listening! If you liked this episode, please leave us a review in iTunes.
We’d love for you to comment below, or leave us a voicemail or message with your feedback.