By Edie Melson
Many writers have the mistaken idea that social networking is only beneficial online. Or that it only helps when you can’t be at a conference. But it can help you connect before during and after a conference. In fact, it can greatly increase what you get out of the event.
BEFORE
Here are some things you can do in advance of the conference
- Check the conference website and find out if the event has a Facebook page or Twitter account, If so, plug in. This is a great place to connect with other attendees. It helps the conference feel more like a reunion when you meet people online in advance.
- Take a look at the faculty who are scheduled to be present and plug into their social networking connections. If they have a Facebook page, like it or friend them. If they have a Twitter account be sure to follow them.
- Also pay special attention to editors and agents. Many of them have industry blogs and their companies have Twitter accounts. Take advantage of this advance information by getting to know what they’re looking for before you arrive at the conference.
- Put a call out on your social networking accounts, asking if anyone is planning to attend the conference. It’s always more fun if you can share the experience with a friend.
DURING
There are many ways you can reinforce contacts made during a conference. Here are some of my favorites.
- When you meet someone at the conference, follow up the meeting by plugging into their social networks—friend them on Facebook, follow them on Twitter, add them to your circles on Google Plus. Remember, connecting online is easier when your memory (and everyone else’s) is fresh. You’re more likely to get a reciprocal follow or accepted friend request when impressions are fresh. This is especially true with professional relationships.
- Pay special attention to any announcements that tell you about Twitter Hashtags during the conference. By following a conference hashtag, you can stay up-to-date with last minutes changes and additions others might miss.
AFTER
When you return home, social networking is a great way to stay plugged into the networks you’ve developed while at the conference. Now isn’t the time to get slack, it’s time to strengthen those ties.
Continue to check the conference website for additional updates. Sometimes the conference directors will get new info from publishers and agents—everything from address changes to requests for submission.
ETIQUETTE WARNING – it’s important to remember the relationships you’ve begun with professionals don’t entitle you to take advantage of their time. Here are some major DON’TS
- Don’t instant message them on Facebook, Google or any other medium without their express permission. Just because they pop up online doesn’t mean they have time for a chat. If you do have a quick question, email them and get permission to instant message them.
- Don’t send them unsolicited material to review for you. Be respectful of their busy schedules and always ask if they have the time. Many of them earn extra income by reviewing material so don’t be surprised if they send you a price quote.
- Don’t assume that just because you connected with someone at a conference they’ll be willing to endorse your book. Many industry professionals have very strict guidelines regarding endorsements. It will save everyone a lot of embarrassment if you ask what those guidelines are before you ask for an endorsement.
Be sure you take the opportunity to plug in with social media at BRMCWC 2012. We have lots of opportunities, here are the basics:
Facebook Page
https://www.facebook.com/pages/My-CWC/239197306115590
https://twitter.com/#!/EdieMelson
https://twitter.com/#!/altongansky
Yahoo Group
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MyCWC/
To make reservations for the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writer's Conference, call 1.800.588.7222.
To register online click here.
Don't forget to take a look at the new videos posted on the site.
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