There was once a member in a Chapter who sold computer equipment. Just before joining the organization, he had sold dozens of computers to a local school system. Apparently, the state legislature had earmarked a billion dollars for school systems to upgrade their computer equipment and this particular member had come across an opportunity to tap into a small piece of these allocated funds.

After joining, this individual was eager to use the contacts in the organization to identify more school systems that he could sell upgraded computers. As these opportunities represented major transactions for him, each week he focused his infomercials on seeking contacts and inroads into local school systems.

Although articulately said, nothing came from his requests. The problem was that no one had legitimate contacts into school systems (partially because most Chapter members did not have school-aged children). After a year of trying, the member stood at the Chapter meeting when it was his time to speak and proceeded to resign his membership, stating that he had just not gotten any referrals.

This announcement troubled much of the Chapter. This individual was a good member. He had consistent attendance. He got a respectable amount of great referrals. And he was well liked. Several people expressed their feelings.

With regret a member said, “I am sorry to hear that you are leaving the group – you will be missed. I wish you could have got you some referrals, but I just don’t know anyone in a school system and I don’t know anyone that needs 50 computers. I would have loved to have used you – you just bought a new printer last week.”

Others echoed this sentiment and indicated where they thought about using their fellow member.  “I would have loved to have got a replacement monitor from you”… “we would have liked to purchased our two new computers from you.”

The resigning computer salesperson was stunned.  Momentarily, he was silenced, when he was able to speak he instinctively replied, “I could have sold you any of that. In fact, a good part of my business is selling a single computer or an individual peripheral, like printers and monitors.”

The story has a happy ending, however. The member did not leave the Chapter. He did, however, stop focusing entirely on selling computers to school systems and did quite well asking for and getting referrals for a computer here and a printer there.

The moral of the story is that you should not get so caught up asking for that referral that will make your month (or year), that you forget that most of your success in business is achieved by making lots of relatively small sales. In fact, from week to week there are three general categories of referrals you should be seeking, graded as A, B or C.

• Grade A: This is the referral you realistically hope for when you have an opportunity to daydream about your business. That is to say that it is entirely possible that you could receive a referral like this, but they do not come around everyday and you certainly should not pin the existence of your business on them. From time to time, you should ask for these types of referrals as it is not beyond the realm of possibility that you would get one and so it is important that you let your network know that you would be interested.

• Grade B: These referrals represent the types of business and clients that you generally see from day to day and week to week in your business. A great majority of the time, you should be asking for referrals that fit in this classification.

• Grade C: These referrals represent the bear minimum type of business that you are willing to accept. In essence, when you ask for these types of referrals you are saying to your fellow members “although I am not going to build my business long term on these types of clients, I am willing to work with them as a means of establishing a relationship and hoping that it leads to more and better business down the road.” Like the Grade A referral, this should not be the focus of your periodic request for referrals. You should remind your fellow members, however, from time to time about these potential opportunities that you seek.

Although there is nothing wrong with asking for those once-in-a-lifetime referral opportunities, you need to make these requests sparingly (and the same holds true for those referrals you are willing to work for, but not overly eager to have).  Remember, success in requesting referrals is as simple as A,B,C.

Frank Agin is the founder and president of AmSpirit Business Connections and is the author of Foundational Networking: Building Know, Like And Trust To Create A Lifetime Of Extraordinary Success and Linked Working: Generating Success On The World’s Largest Professional Networking Website.
For more information go to www.frankagin.com.

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The year is 2010 and the economy is not only a burden for those searching for jobs but also those searching for internships. The process of finding an internship has never been considered easy, but currently it is unbelievable the amount of people fighting for work experience and those normally of which go unpaid.

Over the past 10 years the target audience of prospective interns has seen a dramatic shift. Interns used to predominantly consist of college students, normally juniors or seniors, who either through the design of their college program or through there own good will, were looking to gain experience in their field before taking off for the work force. Surely that same concept still holds true with collegiate students, but now not only are they competing against one another, but it is not uncommon for a slightly older generation to be competing against them as well. With the unemployment rate in the United States currently at staggering heights, whether a college student or a college student’s parents, everyone is looking for a way to get his or her foot in the door.

Surely sites like teamworkonline.com and workinsports.com are terrific resources to not only finding internships but also to finding jobs, but the one d0wnfall with these sites are the amount of openings available and the overall awareness of positions are limited. Not that the websites are at fault but many organizations do not post a bulletin every time they have an opening, first and foremost because people contact them before the company has the chance.

By no means should I be considered an internship-landing guru, because quite frankly I am the opposite. I am currently a college student going through this exact process but there are two resources I think prospective interns should take full advantage off. Surely there are many search engines that can assist applicants in finding an internship, but for the proactive type it would be a sin not to reap the benefits of Twitter and LinkedIn.

It took me quite sometime to distinguish how Twitter was any different than updating your status on Facebook, but after you are able to differentiate the differences the opportunities presented are endless. Once you become somewhat proficient using Twitter and the amount of resourceful people you follow begins to grow, more and more opportunities will become available. I follow many professionals in the sports industry consisting of CEOs, store managers, entrepreneurs, and coaches, all of which update different aspects of their company. Sometimes all it takes is following the right person, mentioning them in a post showing interest in their company, and with a little luck you might end up getting involved with the right people. Those who follow you back are easier targets as it allows the exchange of direct messages, something more personal and the opportunity to possibly exchange contact information and bring your conversation to the next level.

Personally I enjoy using LinkedIn because it is the business professional’s version of Facebook. Similar to the concept with Twitter, once you begin connecting with more and more people and as your networking base begins to grow it increases the chances of potential opportunities. As does a fine wine, it takes time to see potential results through LinkedIn. First you start connecting with your current employees, and although that may not seem like a big deal at the time, it is where those same employees end up in the future that could be beneficial towards you in the end. It is not uncommon for that sales girl working for the same minor league baseball team as you to end up as the director of marketing for the Dallas Cowboys. It is all about maintaining that relationship, and now all of a sudden that sales girl has the key to opening the door to your next internship or possibly even your career.

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(This is a guest article by Cabe Flesher)

As the old saying goes, “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know” and this can’t ring more true than in the wide world of sports, specifically sponsorships sales.  We are out there everyday trying to get in the door somehow and we have all heard the phrase, “Oh, I know someone I can call or email”.

Well, speaking from the trenches, it’s best to build on that network as much as possible.  Networking now isn’t always about hitting the latest local networking event, which we all know is filled with the same sales people trying to sell each other and vying for the for real buyers in the room.  It’s more about reaching out to our peers on a national level trying to develop a bond there that will someday pay off.  Let’s face it we got into sponsorships because we want to get paid.  So however you can achieve that should be your goal.

Now I am not saying that we are all devious in our actions, but in order to reach the goals that have been set by our glorious managers and leaders, we must expand every possible aspect to our job.  So developing our national network is key to assisting in those goals.  How do we do that?  It’s up to you to figure that out as I have sat through enough day long seminars by so called “gurus” of the sales world to know that the only expert in how you hit your goals is you.  My advice though isn’t that you have to listen to it all and take what you want, how you want, to get what you want.

The ways that have worked for me include emails to peers within the league that I work in.  Just reaching out and saying hi works, but be prepared to swap some good leads.  This is a business and we all have to give in order to get.  To quote the great Bill Murray in Caddie Shack when he offers his infinite golf wisdom to the “Dali Lama himself” he too wants something in return when he asks, “How about a little something for da effort”.  Another successful strategy had been to milk social networking sites for all that they are worth.  Get to know sites like Linkedin.  Avoid reaching out excessively, because you don’t want to be known as “that guy”.  You know the one that is always posting things about what they are doing or constantly harassing his or her peers for leads or info.  We have all dealt with that person.

The economy is tough right now and in order to get in with new organizations we must do all we can.  This is just one man’s opinion, but any advice is worth listening to in this economic climate.  Especially coming from someone who is still in the trenches…

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Cabe Flesher has been working in sports sales for more than five years now with knowledge of markets both large and small.  He has developed partnership plans at many levels to numerous organizations.  He currently is working in the NBA in the San Francisco Bay Area. Feel free to connect with him on LinkedIn.

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(This is a guest article by Jason Kobeda)

The ability to network has become an essential skill for those seeking employment in the sports industry. When I began pursuing a career in the NFL, I quickly learned how much competition there was. I traveled to the Senior Bowl week of practices and NFL Combine, where NFL personnel congregate during the off-season to evaluate talent. This presented rare opportunities to meet key people and I returned the following three years while completing my degree.

These are a few methods I used to put myself in the same room with the NFL personnel who had the power to hire me. These tips relate to football events, but are transferable to other sports business conference, MLB Winter Meetings, NBA Combine, etc.

1. Write introductory letters: Anytime you know you’re going to see someone that’s important to your career search, always write them a letter beforehand telling them what you want to do and that you’re hoping to meet them at the event. It is then much easier and more effective to approach that person and say, “Mr./Mrs. —-, my name is Jason Kobeda, it’s nice to meet you. I’m not sure if you got my letter last week, but may I have a minute of your time to discuss potential internships in your department?”

2. Offer to volunteer: If you’re attending an event that lasts several days, offer to volunteer for a team. Many of these teams don’t bring a full staff in order to cut down on their travel and overhead expenses. Don’t get frustrated if you don’t receive responses to most of your letters, you always have to be willing to take a shot.

3. Try to get credentialed: If the teams are not receptive to your offers to volunteer for them, do what you can to get credentialed for the events. The Senior Bowl and NFL Combine will give you credentials if you can provide proof that you’re a journalist or if a team will vouch for you. This is another area where you may need to get creative, but if you can get credentialed, it will give you more privileges and make the networking process much more effective.

4. Stick to the beaten path: The official hotels for these events are often luxurious and pricey, but staying in the same hotel as your networking targets is important. The opportunity to meet an executive in the elevator or the lobby can mean all the difference. If there’s a coffee shop in your hotel, get there very early, buy a newspaper and wait. I’m willing to bet the majority of people you want meet will pass through that coffee shop in the morning. The same goes for the hotel bar at night. I’ve met several front office personnel by bouncing around different hotel bars once the work day was over.

5. Provide a service: Being able to provide a prospective employer with services they need is a great way to show your worth and increase your chances of getting hired. At the Senior Bowl, I noticed that several coaches and scouts would arrive at the stadium after the kickers and punters had already practiced, so I got there early and started to record the lengths and hang-times of individual players’ kicks and provided those stats to whoever wanted it. Many of them were very happy to have the information.

6. Do your homework: Know what your networking subjects look like and what personnel changes have recently occurred in their organization. Before I had the convenience of an iPhone, I would type notes with pictures of new coaches or GM’s that I wasn’t familiar with.

7. Bring personal business cards: The small cost you will pay for business cards is worth the message they send when you hand them out. A simple, professional looking business card with your name and contact information is a quick way to show that you’re on top of your game.

8. Be prepared to interview: I was interviewed on the spot in the bleachers of a football stadium. Be sure to bring any resumes, portfolios or sample work you would need in the event you’re granted an interview. Also, always dress like you’re looking for a job (keep a suit nearby). Never wear team colors or logos to these functions as you’ll need to be prepared to interview with anyone, even your favorite team’s rival.

9. Don’t be shy: When you approach an executive, keep in mind that you may never see this person again. It’s easy to get shy or intimidated when Bill Parcells sits down next to you in a coffee shop, but put yourself in his shoes. If you want to work for him you have to show that you’re confident and professional enough to handle anything. Rejection is part of the networking game, so you shouldn’t fear it.

10. Follow up: Each time you meet someone and have a conversation with them, make a note about the person and the conversation and reference it in your follow up letter to them. Be sure to write the follow-up as soon as possible so that the encounter is fresh in your mind and, more importantly, their mind.

Over the four years that I made these travels, I met only a handful of other young people in my position. Executives are much more engaging and helpful when separate you yourself from the crowd. These are certainly not the only ways to make an impression, but I hope they’ll help you to think creatively when pursuing your career in sports.

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Jason Kobeda is Business Specialist at the Sports & Exhibition Authority of Pittsburgh. His previous experiences include operations positions with the Cleveland Browns, Houston Texans and Pittsburgh Steelers and Football Scout at Joe Butler’s Metro Index Scouting Service. To learn more about Jason connect with him on LinkedIn.

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(This is a guest article by Chris Rufle)

Putting on a networking event at your venue can be beneficial for you in a few different ways.  It can give you the opportunity to sell a weak night, draw in new quality leads, and help other business executives further their businesses all at the same time.  As long as you follow a few steps to make sure you plan your event properly it can be a success.

First, pick a night. Since people are primarily coming for the networking event instead of the game, you have the opportunity to pick the date you prefer.  This gives you the ability to take one of your weaker nights and sell it while hosting a successful group outing with great potential for future leads.

Who do you sell? Having quality attendees will not only benefit the other networkers, but help you as well. Try and invite people that could also be future ticket leads for you. Use this opportunity to invite contacts that may not have ever been to the ballpark before.  These are the people you have been calling all week trying to help them realize the value coming out to the ballpark can have for their business.  This is a perfect opportunity to show them you are right.

Having quality networkers is also better for the fellow attendees.  Nothing is worst then showing up to a networking event filled with people that are just soliciting their product or handing out their resume to everyone.  A tip given to me early on in my career was “If you want to be successful in networking, you need to offer more than you ask for.” Inviting quality participants will help the overall success and result with people wanting to come back to future networking events.

Of course there is no exact set of rules when organizing your event, but here are some helpful guidelines to follow:

1. Team up with a local networking group – they are established and they put on these events all the time.  They will already have a large list of contacts and can easily send out information about your event. Also if you pick the right group, the association with their name can help legitimize your event.

2. Set your price - There are a few things that you have to take into account here.  Do some research and see how much another events in the area are charging.  Try and keep it at that level if you can.  If you are able to host the event in a picnic / party deck area where you can have food included is always a plus.

3.  Set an agenda - This will give the night structure and keep things organized.  It doesn’t have to be to elaborate.  Keep is simple (5pm – Registration and Open Networking; 5:30pm can be a spot for a special guest to speak; 6:45pm Drawings and 50/50 Raffle winners; 7:15pm Game time).

4. Utilize social media – Take advantage of outlets such as LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook to promote your event.  They are free and allow you opportunities for your guests to meet and interact before even arriving.  List your event on these social networking sites and count on some help from your local network to share the information.

5. Keep detailed records – It is likely you will be running around talking to lots of people, making it difficult to keep track of everyone’s name.  If you have a registration table you can keep track of who came. It can also be a reference point when following up with everyone about future networking events and future tickets sales depending on how your conversations went that night.

Remember, by setting up a successful networking event you will move more available inventory, build your network in the local business community, and grow your potential future sales leads. Have you hosted similar networking events at your venue, what tips would you share?

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Chris is currently an account executive for The Long Island Ducks Baseball Team.  Responsible for selling the total product mix including Full and Partial Season Ticket Plans, Group Tickets, and Corporate Partnerships. He has may interests with-in the sports business world such as: Networking, Sharing Ideas, Social Media, and Helping others.  Chris founded Sports Group Sales a web site deciated  to the sharing of ideas and practices of the industry.  Follow Chris on Twitter @crufle or you can find him on LinkedIn.

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I’ve decided to take a detour from writing about current issues and events surrounding sports public relations to provide some simple tips to young people entering the business.

I recently read a query from a college-age man who is set to graduate this spring. He asked for advice from the panel about how to get a job in sports the sports industry. I asked myself, “What took you so long to ask?”

My post today is an effort to help people who are preparing for this stage of education not have to ask that question. You’re read it right – as a second-semester senior in college, you will hopefully not have to ask how to break into your field of choice because you’ll have already done your research, laid a foundation for your own brand and even completed an internship or two. In essence, you must create your own public relations campaign and pitch yourself.

At most universities, students are required to select a major after their sophomore years if not sooner. Of course, there are always going to be those who have realized that they selected wrong and opt for different courses of study and that’s fine. But for those who know what they want to be when they grow up or as they prepare to declare a major, identifying practical work opportunities should be just as important as the classes they choose. When it comes to finding a job in an ever-competitive job market, let alone one that is as narrow as sports, the key ingredient employers look for, is experience.

As a student, you might say, “I’m in class and have to study…when would I have time to work?” I promise you that if you can snag a spot as a student-assistant or intern in a sports information or marketing office, write for your school newspaper or find another opportunity that offers even the most menial job in your field of choice, the experience you gain will far outweigh the extra night out with your friends. There are also semester and summer breaks that allow for time to work in real-world situations that will help you look that much more attractive to potential employers after you have your diploma in-hand. It’s all a part of building your own brand.

Last year a local student contacted me with the same question as the person mentioned above. She was a couple of months shy of college graduation and wanted to find a job in sports. I asked her what internships she’d completed to date, and she said she hadn’t done any. She said she’d worked as a bartender, but hadn’t pursued any professional experience during that time. What I heard was, “I wasn’t ambitious but now I’m graduating and guess I have to find a job.”

Keep in mind that as you gather professional experience, you might have to work for peanuts…even nothing for some projects. It’s worth it. While your friends start below the first rung of a ladder in their first year or two out of college because they didn’t see future passion in their professions, you can emerge from your classes with the a resume that could land you a respected spot in an organization and not only earn a living, but make a difference and great impression.

Tips to land that perfect internship are much like those that seasoned veterans use to find a new job: network (in person and online), volunteer, and try to pick as many professional brains as you can. Share your story; show potential employers that you’re trustworthy, eager to learn and willing to pitch in. These are all elements of your own PR campaign.

In an effort to stand out from the crowd, always write thank you notes after someone has given you their time whether it’s five minutes or two hours. You’d be amazed at how many people don’t even consider this step.

For more information about internships and opportunities for you to grow the buds of your career, consult professional organization directories and newsletters. You can follow a targeted group on Twitter, create a professional profile and answer question on LinkedIn and make sure lots of people know how to contact you. That perfect first job could be yours.

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Last night I hosted the first ever Sports Networker event in London along with my good friends over at iStadia.  It was a big success with nearly 200 top sports professionals in the area who attended (along with two world record holding athletes… see images below).

It was fun for me to throw an event over seas, seeing that I hosted close to 20 events in the U.S. last year.  I was amazed when a few people told me it was the best networking event they had ever been to (they must not go to many networking events in London

The venue was extremely nice, but too small, and nearly impossible to find since there was no sign on the door and it was down a dark alley.  There was a major traffic jam in the doorway as people were trying to find their name tags and head on in.  And we were unable to make any announcements, as previously planned, due to the loudness of the venue and no mic to communicate with.

I guess my point is, you don’t have to have everything perfect to create an event where people find massive value in.  As long as you bring quality people together, and help them make positive connections, then you have done a good job.  I doubt there has been one event produced where everything went as planned.

Make sure you start bringing people together locally, nationally, or globally.  We already do this online through our various blogs, and social networking sites, but let’s get more personal, intimate, and build stronger relationships by connecting face to face.  What do you say?  Watch my video below where I share more on this topic, and I would love to hear your thoughts about throwing events in the comments section.

Here are some images from the London Sports Networker Event.  Thanks again to Eight Club, and David Fuller for giving us the venue.  And thanks to our sponsor Tim Gentles from Brands in Football and Football Fans Census for helping make it an even greater event!  Here are some pictures from London.

Last May I was kicking back with Lewis Howes at a Chicago Cubs game, not knowing in two weeks time I would be doing the same thing with another colleague, Jude LaRose.  Still digesting the LinkedIn knowledge Lewis dropped on me, Jude and I ended up not paying much attention to the play on the field and instead spent most of the time hatching a plan.

In working with LinkedIn, I have started to see the value in being a part of different groups and organizations that can benefit my career.  With a desire to become more actively involved, we decided to start a group in Chicago for sports professionals working in the area.

The following day we launched the Chicago Sports Business Professionals group on LinkedIn, inviting all local connections we had within the industry.  The group quickly began to grow, and we decided to supplement the online networking with live events.  The next step involved asking one of our good friends and colleagues (and networking guru), Lindsey Nealis, to help us with our new venture.

Since Lindsey’s arrival we have hosted three controlled events, each with around 40-60 guests.   With each event, the group has grown and word has spread further.  After six months and three events, the LinkedIn group has more than 300 members. The members all work in the Chicagoland sports industry – representing front office employees from every Chicagoland professional and minor league sports team, Northwestern University, various sports law firms, sponsorship agencies, and local media.

The connections and relationships formed have been great.   As Mr. Howes mentioned in his book, “It isn’t who you know, but who knows you.”  I would reason one could take it a step further and add, “How do they know you?”  I have found many great resources within our group and believe the others involved share in the sentiment.

“We are excited to provide a group for sports industry professionals to share ideas and best practices, trade resources, and form lasting relationships,” said Lindsey.

A former Chicago colleague Mark Washo, who now resides in Washington D.C. has recently kick started a similar spin-off group in D.C.  Follow Mark on Twitter @Breakintosports.  If you are in the area, reach out to him!

Lindsey, Jude and I look forward to an exciting 2010 as we continue to meet new people and build relationships with those in the town we call home – Chicago.

* Jude LaRose is currently a Senior Account Executive with the AHL’s Chicago Wolves.  Prior to working with the Wolves,  Jude was with the Chicago Rush of the AFL where he holds the record for most new season tickets sold in the franchise’s history, was a  three-time Discover Card Arena Football League Salesperson of the Month, and recognized as the number two account executive in the AFL in sales for the 2007-2008 season. You can follow Jude on Twitter @judelarose or Link Up on LinkedIN

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* Lindsey Nealis has been with the Chicago White Sox for 4 years, and is currently the Coordinator of Client Services and Group & Party Area Sales.  Prior to working with the Sox, Lindsey attended Indiana University Alum where she played Division I Field Hockey.  You can follow Lindsey on Twitter @lindseynealis or Link up on LinkedIN

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Sports Networker Summit NYC

Sports Networker is taking their next networking event to the international level. Sports Networker and iStadia are co-hosting a sports networking event Tuesday, January 19, 2010 at the Eight Club in London. This event is not only open to sports professionals but it is free to attend.

iStadia is the global community for those in professional sport and exercise to network, promote themselves and develop business. Organized locally on a global basis, iStadia brings together athletes (beginners to elite), coaches, sport scientists, academics and businesses involved in sport and exercise. Also creating new opportunities for referrals, jobs, projects, business development, access to expert support or advice, research and shared learning.

This event will be a great opportunity to meet new people in the sports industry face to face. The evening will be mainly informal with one or two assisted networking activities.

There will be more announcements to come regarding the program, so check back for updates. It is free to attend this networking event, but you must pre register on the LinkedIn event link here to attend. We look forward to seeing you January 19th at the Eight Club!

We are about to enter Sports Symposium season.  This Friday is the granddaddy of them all: The Princeton Sports Symposium.  Amongst the panelists are former Baltimore Orioles and Chicago White Sox general manager Roland Hemond, Sports Illustrated senior writer Tom Verducci, President of Ponturo Management and chairman of the Leverage Agency sports marketing firm Tony Ponturo, IMG agency’s executive vice president of sports programming Barry Frank, etc.

Other fantastic symposiums that are right around the corner include the UF Sports Law Symposium on January 29, 2010 and the University of Miami’s 13th Annual Entertainment and Sports Law Symposium on February 5, 2010.  Travel costs in this economy are not always easy to justify, but these events are some of the best places to learn about the business of sports.  They are also the premier spots to network with the sports industry’s leaders.

If you are fortunate enough to attend at least one of the major sports symposia, you should go to the functions fully prepared to network effectively.  Below, I provide some Dos and Don’ts so that you are able to venture to these locations with a full arsenal.

Dos

• Bring at least 100 business cards.  Don’t have a company?  No problem.  Get creative.  Symposiums are great places to meet a bunch of new people.  For the people you already know or have communicated with, don’t waste their time exchanging the paper.  Pretend that you care about the environment and keep the cards in your pocket.  For the people you would like to know, start with a handshake and ease your way into a conversation before you exchange your contact details.  Grab other peoples’ cards and after the symposium, use that information to link up with them on sites like LinkedIn.
• Put your nametag on the side of your body that you shake hands with.  Simple thing that many people miss.  I am terrible with names; do everything you can to make me remember yours.  If you shake with your right hand, put your nametag on your right lapel.
• Talk to as many people as you can during breaks. Breaks are not for coffee and cake.  They are the primetime to network.  Find someone who is not on a phone and not already with a group of people.  Introduce yourself.
• Get to the symposium early and stay late.  Use every moment available to try to meet new people.  Make yourself seen and stand out as much as possible.  Leave the lime green button down at home (unless you can pull it off…and kudos to you if you can), but make people wonder why you seem to be so important.
• Smile.  No one got great sleep the night before and everyone is going to be groggy by the end of the day.  Cheer other people up with your brilliance.
• Butter up the organizer.  No matter how much prep you put into this day, the organizer of the symposium has put 10,000 times as much effort into making sure that the event runs smoothly.  The organizer is someone you want on your side, as he/she had to secure all the speakers to attend.  You better believe that the organizer has quite a few connections.

Don’ts

• Skip panels to network.  While the networking is great, the main purpose you are there is to learn from those who have a lot to share.  Skipping the panels to network is frowned upon.  Bathroom breaks are permissible, and small talk from the room to the bathroom is fine.  There will be plenty of time to schmooze.
• Talk about how you can’t wait to get out of there.  Then why are you there in the first place?  You have to have something better to talk about.
• Lack enthusiasm.  This is your one chance to be in front of the “decision makers” in this industry.  You don’t have to call a central office and be redirected to a voicemail, only to never hear back from the person you are trying to contact.  Drink 10 cups of coffee and be ready for showtime.
• Forget your notepad.  Jot notes about the topics discussed on the panels, but also keep notes on the people you meet outside of the rooms.  Don’t do it in front of those you just talked with, but when you have a chance, make some notes so that you have something to follow up on with the subjects you met.

If you are at this Friday’s Princeton Sports Symposium, make sure to come say hi to me.  I will be a panelist on the Partnership Activation Rising Stars Panel along with some other awesome young entrepreneurs.  It’s at the same time as Lewis Howes’ panel, so you better be going back and forth between the excellent panels instead of trying to network with those taking a bathroom break!