Small talk/"Networking" tips?

[BigBrodieFan]

Ask them where they're from and say you know someone who lived there/you've been there/or you hear something is great from that area.

If they are all from Calgary, talk about the Flames or whatever other sports are going on, and if they are all Canadians, you should be fine with hockey talk.

If they start talking about their kids, act interested...you'll do great!

Have fun

[Kybosh]

Although you're going to an O&G conference, there is a good chance that the people you're sitting with will be from many walks of life. It's most important to just listen and ask questions as they come up. You should probably spend some time familiarizing yourself with standard terms and acronyms though. Read up on SAGD, THAI, upstream versus downstream, vertical versus horizontal drilling, fracturing technology etc.

These people will also ask about yourself, so, know what you're going to say in advance. Speak about yourself with enthusiasm (not over the top though) because if you aren't interested in yourself, nobody else will be.

I think I remember that you're in University. Are you graduating soon or looking for a summer gig? I strongly recommend making up some simple business cards to hand out. Students usually think this sounds odd, but you would be amazed by how well it works. A business card helps you stand out, especially if it's coming from someone that would not usually have one.

[SeeGeeWhy]

Have a "30 second commercial" about yourself ready... the classic elevator pitch about who you are, what you do. Its good to practice that and comes in handy in other situations.

Have some business cards ready, or don't be afraid to ask for one if you want to keep in touch. Follow up the next day and say thanks again, try to arrange that follow up if possible. Maybe even add them to your linked in connections after that.

Other than that, there's been some solid advice given in the thread.

Is there anything in particular you're looking to get out of the event? Otherwise, just go and have time and enjoy the company.

[KelVarnsen]

Originally Posted by SeeGeeWhy

Have a "30 second commercial" about yourself ready... the classic elevator pitch about who you are, what you do. Its good to practice that and comes in handy in other situations.

Like office sluts?

[burn_baby_burn]

Originally Posted by VladtheImpaler

Gozer has it right on. Listen - people love to talk about themselves, and love people who listen to them talk about themselves. This advice applies equally to dates - just listen and before you know it...

I have found that wind bags that like to talk about themselves constantly. Are people you don't need to worry about impressing. Sure its important to listen, however a conversation needs to be at least two sided.

[Phanuthier]

Originally Posted by Kybosh

Although you're going to an O&G conference, there is a good chance that the people you're sitting with will be from many walks of life. It's most important to just listen and ask questions as they come up. You should probably spend some time familiarizing yourself with standard terms and acronyms though. Read up on SAGD, THAI, upstream versus downstream, vertical versus horizontal drilling, fracturing technology etc.

These people will also ask about yourself, so, know what you're going to say in advance. Speak about yourself with enthusiasm (not over the top though) because if you aren't interested in yourself, nobody else will be.

I think I remember that you're in University. Are you graduating soon or looking for a summer gig? I strongly recommend making up some simple business cards to hand out. Students usually think this sounds odd, but you would be amazed by how well it works. A business card helps you stand out, especially if it's coming from someone that would not usually have one.

The strongest impression I ever made at a conference was just being well versed in the field. I didn't have an elevator pitch, small talk like talking about the Flames is great to pass the time but you leave no impression and the other guy will forget you later... I find lots of students are doing the professional business card, I had one. Trying too hard makes you seem like a leach, not trying at all and talking about hockey makes you invisible.

If it were me, I'd find a big issue going on in the industry right now or find out something contraversal about the industry, be well versed in it, and question them on that. Have a discussion, people like to talk about themselves but if you ask a trivial question, you get a trivial answer. Ask them something that generates discussion, on a topic you know you can kick ass on, and they come away impressed with you as a person rather than just knowing you are a collage student looking for a summer job.

[Flames_Gimp]

get s##tfaced!

[evilcougar]

Originally Posted by SeeGeeWhy

Have a "30 second commercial" about yourself ready... the classic elevator pitch about who you are, what you do. Its good to practice that and comes in handy in other situations.

Have some business cards ready, or don't be afraid to ask for one if you want to keep in touch. Follow up the next day and say thanks again, try to arrange that follow up if possible. Maybe even add them to your linked in connections after that.

Other than that, there's been some solid advice given in the thread.

Is there anything in particular you're looking to get out of the event? Otherwise, just go and have time and enjoy the company.

Na, just make sure you're not the best dressed guy there, otherwise the other guys won't talk to you.

[drewboy12]

ask about their daughters

[Cecil Terwilliger]

ask about their wives.

[4X4]

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Doing your.........son.

[Cecil Terwilliger]

Originally Posted by 4X4

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Doing your.........son.

My son is dead.

Response: Maybe that's why he didn't move around a lot.