Share: What's one networking tip or strategy you'll be using at bbcon 2024?

Elizabeth Johnson

I'm an extrovert except at networking events. Any great tips?

Austen Brown

@Elizabeth Johnson - I tend to sit with people I don't know at the mainstage presentations or my favorite during a meal. These are great opportunities to meet people, make connections and gather different perspectives across BB product users/non-profit verticals.

Angela Finley Hunter

@Elizabeth Johnson
Me too. So, I tend to start a conversation with people in line while we get food. I usually say hello and the food looks really good, then where are you from. See you in Seattle!

Hallie Guiseppe

@Elizabeth Johnson
Make sure to attend scheduled networking events. Everyone there wants to connect too.

Elizabeth Johnson

@Hallie Guiseppe I'm better with meals and lines - I think it is the knowing when to enter into a group of people that I struggle with - any tips on that? Or how and when to move to the next group of people.

Jim Willsey

@Elizabeth Johnson:
I'm better with meals and lines - I think it is the knowing when to enter into a group of people that I struggle with - any tips on that? Or how and when to move to the next group of people.

My technique for this is to sidle up to a group of interesting people, wait for an opportunity to respond to one of their comments, then hope they all just assume that I was always part of the group.

Then, if my infiltration was successful, I stand there awhile until I remember that I'm horrible at small talk and networking. I then extricate myself by either waiting until I've faded into the background and no one remembers that I'm there so that I can slip away, or I suddenly say “Well! I'm…you know…I'm just gonna…I've got to…so…hey, it was great to, you know…” and then awkwardly walk away.

Feel free to use some of my techniques. Although come to think of it, I might need some advice on this subject as well.

Elizabeth Johnson

@Jim Willsey How many hearts can I give this! This all resonates with me so well.

Hallie Guiseppe

@Jim Willsey

Jim Willsey

@Hallie Guiseppe ? That is exactly how I enter conversations!

Devan Bessinger

@Elizabeth Johnson I'm an introvert through & through, so events like this are nerve wracking and exhausting. However, I've found the best way to launch myself out of my comfort zone is to not think of this as a social situation where I'm trying to make friends. I approach it like a task or mission where I'm trying to deliberately make connections for certain purposes. For me, I'd love to connect with folks whose organization manages a Donor-Advised Fund program (sending out grants, not receiving). If I think of it sort of like an item on my “to do” list, it's much easier because I'm very task-driven. The good news is, you do end up making some friends in the course of things!

P.S.- @Jim Willsey - I'm dying laughing at your response. I think we all identify with that. You're probably going to have a lot of folks seeking you out to strike up a conversation now. ?

Beth Broomall

@Elizabeth Johnson I'm right there with you! I am on the struggle bus when it comes to meeting people at bbcon! We should connect!

Beth Broomall

@Jim Willsey me too!

Elizabeth Johnson

@Beth Broomall, absolutely! Look for me I look just like my picture ?

KAS Shannon Knight

@Elizabeth Johnson you're definitely not alone! As a recovering shy person and total introvert, I look for the other people standing to the side by themselves and say hello. There's always someone around who looks just as uncomfortable as I feel in crowds.

Elizabeth Johnson

@KAS Shannon Knight This is a great tip - I need to stop looking for the groups and look for the individuals!

JoAnn Strommen

@Elizabeth Johnson Definitely an introvert in these type of situations. Some great tips. My goal for the whole week is to step out of my comfort zone.

Makes me think of motherly advice: “Be yourself, be nice…in the end or 10 years from now how much does it really matter if they decide they don't like you. You're just responsible for your attitude.” LOL It was something along those lines.

Elizabeth Johnson

@JoAnn Strommen I love this - thank you for sharing that!