Comments on: Building Relationships: From Online to Real-Life.

By: Jessica Levin

Jessica Levin — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 01:08:39 +0000

Jeff – thanks for the comments and for the Oovoo suggestion. I’m going to check it out now.

By: Jeff Hurt

Jeff Hurt — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 16:22:46 +0000

Jessica:

Wow, if only all of us had a Domenick and Sally in our lives! It would make face-to-face networking so much easier. Your list is a great one too and I like Jenise’s additon of Skype. (Jenise, you might try Oovoo too as it allows for several video conference callers at once.)

I’m not a naturally outgoing person. That’s my sister. I’m usually the one observing everyone from a distance. Yet, I’ve found I can switch into my networking gear intentionally and when necessary. It’s so true that it really is about helping others more than being self-serving.

Thanks for the list…it’s a keeper.

By: Jessica Levin

Jessica Levin — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 00:06:15 +0000

Thanks for the comment Jenise. I agree that Skype is a great way to get that in-person connection.
One thing that people often fear when attending live events is walking up and introducing themselves to new people. The truth is that people want to be approached and are probably in the same boat as you. I encourage people to get out of their comfort zone and make a new friend by making the first move.
I have a lot of tips…sounds like I need a part 2 to this post.

By: Jenise Fryatt

Jenise Fryatt — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 19:22:34 +0000

Thanks so much for posting on this very important topic Jessica! I, for one, can use all the help I can get when it comes to taking my online relationships off line. You’ve given a great check list here.

I live so far away from most of my social media friends in the event industry, that it’s difficult to just ask people to lunch. So I really need to make use of my phone more often.

One tool I would add that has been very useful to me, is Skype, for video chatting. I’ve met a few of my Twitter friends “F2F” using Skype. When someone lives in Chicago and I’m here in California, it’s often the only way, and it’s free!

Another thing I’m exploring is multi-video chat or video conferencing through sites like tinychat and stickam. There are bugs to be worked out, but I have had so much fun getting to know friends (from as far away as England) this way. Eric Lukazewski, from Echelon Exhibits in Chicago, has really been a big help in exploring this with me and it has definitely made some of my online relationships stronger.

My next plan of attack is industry events. I had so much fun getting to know you and many of my other #eventprofs friends at Event Camp. I am planning to formalize a plan to attend several more such events in the coming months.

Thanks for this great post. If you have any, I would love to read more of your tips on networking. Particularly at industry events. Thanks again!!