Alt Summit: 5 Opportunities to Introduce Yourself

By Alt Channel teacher Kelly Beall. Photography by Brooke Dennis. 

When it comes to introducing myself, I wasn't always the best. If you were to put me in a beautiful hotel in the middle of Salt Lake City, and surrounded me with 650 incredible people, I was like a deer caught in headlights. Making an introduction is something I've had to put some time and effort into over the past few years. Alt has been a great testing ground for determining what I am comfortable doing, and what makes me even more awkward. Here are five tried and true ways to make a connection:

1) Make a Compliment

Alt is like a fashion show; there's always something new to like. That girl's sparkly heels. The huge statement necklace that could pass as a piece of art. The topknot that's the best you've ever seen. There are so many opportunities to make a compliment!

2) Exchange Business Cards

Attendees spend countless hours designing the perfect business card. Those little pieces of card stock are treated like gold every January. Not only do we love showing them off, but they are a great conversation starter as well.

3) Sit Down

Alt is a busy few days, and I always find myself running around like crazy. Take a few minutes between sessions or during lunch and sit next to someone you don't know. Since it's way too easy to stick to one group during the conference, this is a nice and easy way to step out of your comfort zone.

4)Hang Around After a Panel

Meet the speakers at their table, and visit with the people who loved their talk as much as you did.

5) Hit the Lounge

There are always tons of people hanging out in the bar area and in the Alt lounge in between sessions. Walk up and grab a cup of coffee.

Find more great tips at Kelly's How to Organize Your Time at Alt class, January 12 at 3pm ET.

Comments

[tasha]

These are great tips. I am attending Entrepreneur Growth Conference on Thursday in Dallas. I always feel like a deer in head lights when attending events. Especially since I am always dressy but it leads to compliments of people liking my outfit.

[Sarah]

Great tips! I'm feeling a bit nervous about going to Alt and not knowing anyone. Thanks for the tips, I will be definitely using them :)

[Chris Olson]

Kelly, Thanks for the post—you read my mind! This will be my first time at ALT and I'm both excited and nervous. Love your ideas. I'm attending your class on the 12th :)