Getting more for your networking dollar

From a networking standpoint, conferences that last a few days are much better than a luncheon or even a full day seminar. Not only do you get to meet people, but you get to spend a little time getting to know them -- and letting them get to know you. That’s what happened earlier this month for at the AWAI Fast Track to Success Copywriting Bootcamp.

Smart folks took advantage of the time in between speaker sessions (and there was plenty of it) to hang out in the lobby and bar area, making connections, getting to know each other, chatting about what they liked and didn’t like –- you know, just shooting the breeze. In fact, that’s what networking is: just shooting the breeze.

That’s also why going back from one year to the next is useful; you have an opportunity to solidify relationships that may have been tissue paper thin last year. At least, that was my experience. Last year I met several new people; but when I saw them again, we already had a bit of a foundation established and I was much more comfortable to let it all hang out.

So when it's time to choose which events to attend, consider how much time you’ll have to get to know people. It costs more to spend more time, but it’s a much better investment of both your time and your money.