Guest Blog: Freshly Picked Offers Alt Summit Networking Tips

Utah is wild with activity this weekend.

In between Sundance screenings and celebrity stalking you’ll find Big Cartel rubbing elbows with our favorite DIYers at the Alt Summit design conference in downtown Salt Lake City. The conference officially kicks off tomorrow, and we’re prepping with help from Freshly Picked’s Susan Petersen. Follow along as she guides us through Alt Summit 2012.

Start with a Plan

I would suggest sitting down and figuring out what you would like to get from the conference. What are you goals? Who would you like to meet? Write everything down. Even if it’s as simple as chatting with someone, write it down. Then take a look at the schedule and pick out your classes; what are you trying to learn and take away from the conference? Going in with a plan makes the whole situation less intimidating.

Get Yourself Ready

Once you have your plan set and your goals and objectives in mind, make sure that you are armed with the right tools. Brush up your site and blog. Make sure that your shop is stocked and pretty looking.

I always try to take a sampling of my product with me. It’s nice for people to be able to touch your product. Even better if you have something small that you could hand out in addition to your business card. So, gather your supplies. You’ll feel much more confident reaching out to people if you have your fabulous product in hand.

Shine On

Once you are at the conference step outside your comfort zone. This is your time to shine. Even if you have a hard time approaching people, you will find it easier with a clear objective in mind armed with your product and or business cards. Don’t be afraid to get to know the people that you are sitting by or mingling with in the halls. You never know who you will stumble into!

Images: hach shop, freshly picked, Big Cartel