Brag alert. I’m excellent at communicating. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy for me. One of the reasons I’m so good at it, in fact, is because I find it so hard. I’m more of an introvert than you might think. So, I’ve learned to communicate with efficiency. It saves valuable energy. That’s why they call it “strategic communications”, I suppose.
It is also one of the reasons I used to dread going to conferences.
Don’t get me wrong. I enjoy conversations a lot, but I also put a lot of energy into them. I tend to cut past the small talk to the important stuff. It’s why you’ll always find me in the kitchen at parties. I get exhausted if I have to do too much of the old chat.
Last week, I signed up for CommNet in October. It’s the Communications Network’s annual meeting, for people in nonprofit and foundation communications. If you’re in the field and headed over there, please do let me know, and we can be sure to say “hello!” Or, at the very least, we can discuss the meaning of life and whether it’s all a big waste of time in the end. The sort of things I prefer to chat about.
Consultants are also welcome to attend Commnet, if we sign up to a “non-solicitation” policy. I’ve got to tell you, that’s more than fine with me. Because you won’t find me with a booth at the entrance, handing out business cards and materials. I’ve learned to operate with a more abundant mindset and more confidence.
Instead, I go to conferences with an open mind. I don’t go to CommNet to win business. I go because I’m curious to meet other people in the industry and hear about what they’re working on. I go because I’m committed to the field of communications consulting for good. And I like to be around other people who have made a similar commitment. It’s ironic, but that open spirit of enquiry tends to win me most business over the long term. I went to the virtual conference last year and have since worked with a handful of people I met there, and had really good conversations with. At the time we were just having interesting conversations. I wasn’t touting for business. And I’m not there, this time, to “close deals.” I’m there to meet people, renew previous connections, and say “hello.” I’m there to hang out in the kitchen at the party. I’m there to talk about what I’ve been working on recently and where I’ve found it most nourishing. I’m also there to talk about some of the challenges I’ve had to overcome over the last year.
This year, Commnet is in Seattle. I’m excited to go back there. I spent five years living in the Pacific Northwest, in Portland, Oregon. I enjoyed working for Dan Savage’s newspaper company. I enjoyed the alternative mindset of people living in the far West of the country. It’ll provide a good backdrop for constructive enquiry. Extra bonus: The coffee is usually excellent. See you there?
Meantime, please send me your conference tips. I’m all ears for how to navigate these environments best.
The Introvert’s Guide to Enjoying Your Upcoming Conference
